Newou can listen to Fox News articles!
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has urged President Donald Trump to commute to former Senator George Santos for seven years, calling the punishment “significant injustice” and “abusive overreach by the judicial system.”
The former New York lawmaker was sentenced to more than 87 months or seven years in prison after pleading guilty in 2024 to aggravating wire fraud and identity theft. Santos began attending prisons on July 25th.
Santos was sentenced to the greatest sentence in April by US District Judge Joanna Seibert. He was also ordered to pay nearly $374,000 in compensation, confiscating more than $205,000 in fraudulent proceeds.
Santos’ guilty plea followed an investigation into campaign finance fraud, donor identity theft and unemployment claims in the era of false covid.
Former House Representative George Santos tells him a “charming ‘beforewell’: ‘The curtain falls'” before he goes to prison.
Green said in a post on X that he sent a letter to an amnesty lawyer urging Trump to commute to Santos’ sentence.
“The seven-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is particularly excessive when members of Congress who have done much worse are still free to walk,” she wrote in the Post. “George Santos was held responsible. He showed regret. It’s time to fix this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law!”
Greene spoke to a letter addressed to honor Edward R. Martin Jr., a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) forgiveness lawyer, to acknowledge the significance of the actions of his former colleague.
Abrego Garcia’s lawyers oppose court orders seeking sanctions against Trump officials over Stonewalling
Former US Rep. George Santos arrives at court in central Islip, New York on August 19, 2024 (Stefan Jeremiah/AP Photo)
“As a member of Congress, I can work with Mr. Santos on many issues and demonstrate his will and dedication to serve the people of New York who elected him to his office,” she wrote. “He truly regrets and accepted his full responsibility for his actions. Furthermore, my office spoke with his pastor who discussed Mr Santos’ regret and regret, agreeing that the sentence imposed was a serious injustice.
“His crime justifies punishment, but many of my colleagues I serve have committed crimes far worse than Mr Santos, but face zero criminal charges,” Green continued. “I strongly believe in accountability for my actions, but I think Santos’ ruling is an abusive overreach by the judicial system.”
Prosecutors shared how Santos and his campaign treasurer Nancy Marks qualify for National Republican fundraising by donors. They made up donations from Santos’ family and mistakenly reported a $500,000 loan from Santos, but he had less than $8,000 in his account.
Trump passes sentences for major political donors in the latest round of tolerance
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rs.C. urges President Donald Trump to commute to the seven-year prison sentence for former Senator George Santos, who was sentenced to wire fraud and identity theft. (Anna Money Maker/Getty Images)
He also stole credit card information from donors from donors, including “a victim who knew he was an elderly person suffering from cognitive impairment or decline,” according to the DOJ, and filed unauthorized charges to fund both the campaign and personal expenses. Santos also used fake political fundraising companies to solicit tens of thousands of dollars.
During the pandemic, Santos fraudulently claimed more than $24,000 in unemployment benefits while employed at an investment company. He also submitted false parliamentary financial disclosures to the House.
Santos was elected in 2022 after turning New York’s third district overturned for the GOP. His resume was easily revealed. He misclaimed his Holocaust and 9/11 degree, Wall Street work and family ties.
He became the sixth member who was expelled from Congress and removed from people’s homes after a suffering ethics report in December 2023.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Santos continues to work publicly after giving a ruling, selling video messages on cameos and creating social media posts.
Unless pardoned, Santos is expected to remain in jail until at least early 2032.
Green and the White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Jasmine Baehr of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to greg.wehner @fox.com and Twitter @gregwehner.
Source link