Congressman George Santos charged with fraud and money laundering in federal investigation

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Embattled Congressman George Santos is now in custody on federal charges after he surrendered to Long Island authorities.

He turned himself in around 9 am Wednesday in Central Islip Federal Courthouse. According to the indictment, he risks fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements.

The FBI and Justice Department have been investigating Santos’ financial disclosures, particularly how he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars during his campaign for New York’s 3rd congressional district.

Long Island voters and lawmakers, meanwhile, have been calling for Santos to be ousted from the House for months. But even with mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would only ask for Santos’ resignation if he was found guilty, not before.

During his brief tenure, Santos was accused of violating campaign finance and conflict-of-interest laws, stealing money meant for an Iraq War veteran’s dying dog, and lying about his college degree. and your work experience.

His office did not respond to requests for comment, but he made a promise to CBS New York political reporter Marcia Kramer on “The Point” last weekend.

“I won’t discuss what the investigation entails until it’s concluded, and I’ll come back to your schedule and give you all the details,” Santos said.

Even if convicted of a felony, he can only be removed from office if two-thirds of the House of Representatives votes to expel him.