Disgraced former Congressman George Santos delivered a dramatic send-off on social media Thursday night, hours before beginning a seven-year federal prison sentence for fraud and identity theft.
“Well, darlings… The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed,” Santos wrote on X. “From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news—what a ride it’s been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried… most days.”
“To my supporters: You made this wild political cabaret worth it. To my critics: Thanks for the free press.”
Santos, 36, is scheduled to report to federal custody Friday to begin serving an 87-month sentence following his 2024 guilty plea to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and other charges. In addition to prison time, he was ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution and forfeit over $205,000 in illicit gains.
Long List of Crimes
The charges stemmed from a sprawling investigation into Santos’ finances, including allegations that he:
- Stole donor credit card data—including from elderly individuals with cognitive decline—to fund personal and campaign expenses.
- Invented donations and loans to his campaign to qualify for GOP funding.
- Claimed over $24,000 in fraudulent COVID-era unemployment benefits while still employed.
- Lied on congressional financial disclosures and used a fake fundraising firm to rake in tens of thousands of dollars for luxury shopping sprees.
“This prosecution sends a message that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham, who described Santos’ sentence as “judgment day.” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly added, “Santos traded his integrity for designer labels and a life of deceit.”
Historic Fall From Power
Santos made headlines in 2022 when he flipped New York’s 3rd Congressional District for Republicans, but scrutiny quickly followed. His résumé—including false claims of college degrees, Wall Street jobs, and family ties to both the Holocaust and 9/11—unraveled under investigation.
In December 2023, after a damning House Ethics report, Santos was expelled from Congress—becoming just the sixth member in U.S. history to be removed.
Still Seeking Spotlight—and a Pardon
Even after sentencing, Santos has stayed publicly active, selling Cameo videos and posting online. He has reportedly appealed to President Donald Trump for clemency.
Santos ended his farewell post with characteristic flair: “I may be leaving the stage (for now), but trust me—legends never truly exit.”
Unless pardoned, Santos will remain behind bars until at least early 2032.
