The arrests took place in Central Islip earlier on Wednesday.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Santos, a 34-year-old right-wing Republican, is charged with:
- Seven counts of wire fraud,
- Three counts of money laundering,
- theft of public funds,
- Two counts of making false statements on federal disclosure forms.
The indictment was returned on Tuesday, May 9 with the seal of a federal grand jury sitting in Central Islip.
Santos will be arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay in federal court in Central Islip on Wednesday afternoon.
“This indictment seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “Taken together, the allegations in the indictment allege that Santos relied on repeated dishonesty and Go up the halls of Congress and for your own personal gain.
“He enriched himself with political donations, illegally applied for unemployment benefits that were supposed to go to New Yorkers who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives.
Since shortly after he was elected last fall, Santos has been battered by questions about his background, where his money comes from and his campaign finances.
If convicted, Santos could face up to 20 years in prison.
When Santos appears before the tellers on Wednesday, he could be released on his own recognizance or ordered to pay bail. Additionally, he may be required to surrender his passport.
This is still a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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