By Steve Neavling
U.S. Rep. George Santos, the scandal-plagued New York Republican who fabricated most of his background, has been indicted on federal charges, according to multiple reports.
On Wednesday, he was charged with 13 felonies ranging from financial crimes, lying, theft, misappropriating donor money for personal gain and claiming claiming unemployment benefits while he had a well-paying job.
Reached by the Associated Press, the embattled congressman responded, “This is news to me.”
Santos’ campaign spending has caught the attention of authorities because of the unusual payments for travel, lodging and other items.
ABC News previously reported that Santos’ financial disclosures were under investigation. The FBI also contacted a Navy veteran about a GoFundMe campaign that Santos had created to raise money for the veteran’s service dog.
The veteran, Richard Osthoff, said Santos never came through with the $3,000 he raised. The dog has since died.
Despite controversies over his fabrications about his education, heritage and professional pedigree, Santos said earlier this year that he planned to serve his full term. He’s also denied any criminal wrongdoing.
U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-New York, is among his colleagues calling for Santos’ resignation.
In March, a House ethics panel appointed a subcommittee to investigate potential illegal activity by Santos’ congressional campaign.
