Ex-Campaign Treasurer for George Santos Enters Guilty Plea

(USNewsBreak.com) – Rep. George Santos (R-NY) has been in the news constantly, facing scandal after scandal stemming back to his 2022 campaign. He has been caught in several lies and has been indicted on multiple felony charges related to making false statements, theft of public funds, money laundering, and fraud. Now, one of his former campaign staffers is pleading guilty to crimes related to Santos’ alleged activity.

On Thursday, October 5, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that Nancy Marks, who formerly worked as a treasurer for Santos’ election campaign, pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge. This stems from allegedly filing fraudulent reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) regarding his fundraising efforts on behalf of Santos.

BREAKING: The ex-campaign treasurer for U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government.

She implicated the indicted New York Republican in court with submitting bogus campaign finance reports. https://t.co/lLEmnGzcnY

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 5, 2023

At the subject of those reports is a claim that at least 10 members of Santos’ and Marks’ families contributed to the Republican lawmaker’s campaign. It’s significant because in order to qualify for additional funding, candidates must raise at least $250,000 in a single quarter from donors. FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith said the “guilty plea holds her responsible for those various fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations.” She faces up to five years in prison, a fine, and mandatory restitution.

Marks isn’t the only one tied to Santos that is facing charges. Another former staffer, Sam Miele, faces a single count of aggravated identity theft and four counts of wire fraud. He has pleaded not guilty to all of them. Miele allegedly impersonated Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) chief of staff, Dan Meyer, when he called to solicit donations for Santos’ campaign. He was subsequently fired.

This scandal is yet another blow to Santos, who is currently in the midst of a re-election campaign. He has pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges against him and faces at least 20 years in prison if convicted.