Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.) wears a no-shutdown button as he ascends the House steps to vote at the U.S. Capitol on September 28, 2023.
Bill Clark | Cq-roll Call Inc. | Getty Images
The former campaign finance treasurer for New York state Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Thursday to numerous campaign finance felonies related to his work for the Republican, who also faces fraud charges. There is.
Former Treasury Secretary Nancy Marks has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud in collusion with a congressional candidate, material false statements, obstruction of the administration of the Federal Election Commission, and aggravated identity theft.
Marks, 58, appeared in U.S. District Court on Long Island Thursday afternoon and was released on $100,000 bail.
Marks filed a false campaign finance report claiming that 10 members of her and Santos’ family members donated to her campaign during the 2022 election, when in fact no one contributed. This was revealed in court documents.
Mr. Marks and Mr. Santos also lied to the FEC that Mr. Santos loaned large sums of money to his campaign, including one $500,000 loan, when in fact he did not have the funds to do so. gave testimony.
They carried out this scheme to qualify financial and logistical support for Santos’ campaign from the Republican National Committee.
After the hearing, Marks’ attorney told reporters that Santos “mentally seduced and manipulated her.”
Santos was indicted in May on a 13-count federal indictment in the same court on charges including campaign finance fraud and money laundering.
The rookie lawmaker has maintained his innocence and vowed not to resign from parliament.
Mr. Santos’ lawyer declined to comment.
In August, former Santos fundraiser Samuel Miele was charged in the same federal court with impersonating an aide to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy while soliciting campaign contributions.
Miele’s lawyers are negotiating with federal prosecutors about a possible plea deal.
Santos, who represents a district that includes Nassau County and parts of Queens, has faced intense bipartisan criticism and calls for his resignation even before he took office in January 2021.
Shortly after winning the election and wresting the district from Democratic control, Santos was accused of lying about his business and educational background.
Mr. Santos later admitted to fabricating these details, but denied any other wrongdoing.
The congressman has since been embroiled in a series of other scandals, including being accused of defrauding veterans of funds raised to help sick dogs, while questions about his campaign finances continue to mount. There is.
Republican politicians on Long Island have repeatedly called for Mr. Santos to resign.
Democrats are targeting his congressional district as they aim to regain the House majority in 2024.
