George Santos Avoids Additional Fines After Commution
Former Representative George Santos (R-N.Y.) won’t face any more fines or restitution related to his conviction, according to a pardon order issued on Monday.
Santos was freed on Friday following President Trump’s announcement that he had commuted the former lawmaker’s sentence. Santos had begun serving an 87-month term just three months prior.
The clemency order states that Santos receives “immediate commutation of his sentence until he completes his sentence without further fines, restitution, probation, supervised release, or other conditions.”
Santos confessed to aggravated wire fraud and identity theft last summer as part of a plea agreement. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and tasked with repaying over $370,000.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, host Dana Bash pressed Santos regarding potential court-ordered restitution. He expressed uncertainty but affirmed that he would comply with “whatever the law requires.”
Bash highlighted the necessity of repaying, referring to those affected as either victims or donors to the NRCC. She questioned whether Santos planned to address these financial obligations.
Santos responded, “I can do my best to do whatever the law requires. I’ve only been out of prison for two days and agreed to speak openly without ambiguity.” He added, “If the law requires it, then yes. If not, no. We will do whatever the law requires us to do.”
Initially, Santos pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and received a seven-year prison sentence. He was expelled from Congress after allegations surfaced that he had greatly exaggerated his résumé and misled on campaign finance disclosures.
In a statement, Trump mentioned that Santos had been in solitary confinement for a long time and appeared to have faced severe mistreatment. He concluded by expressing well wishes for Santos, stating, “Good luck, George, and have a great life!”
Santos’ attorney, Joe Murray, confirmed that the former congressman was released around 11 p.m. on Friday.
