Former Congressman George Santos (RN.Y.) stated that he is prepared to face the sentence that prosecutors are pursuing, which could be as long as 87 months, but expressed his hope that the judge may show him some leniency.
“My current wish is to serve 87 months in prison,” Santos mentioned during a phone conversation with the New York Times on Wednesday. “I have fully resigned myself to this outcome.”
“I’ve arrived at this point on my own. I will manage it independently and exit it my own way,” he further commented.
In a discussion with former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FLA.) on Thursday, Santos shared his outlook on the upcoming hearing for his ruling set for Friday.
“What I anticipate happening tomorrow is that, unlike the federal prosecutors who seem overly harsh and are trying to weigh me down, the judge will be more fact-oriented and won’t take it personally,” Santos stated.
“I accept full responsibility and regret the poor choices I’ve made,” Santos continued. “However, I feel that receiving seven years is excessive. You haven’t witnessed someone particularly terrible being sentenced to that length of time.”
When asked about what he believes to be an appropriate sentence, Santos replied to his former colleague, “I can’t say what would be fair, but in my view, seven years is rather excessive.”
Prosecutors are aiming for a seven-year prison term for the untruthful ex-lawmaker who admitted to fraud last year after the House Ethics Committee revealed he misled donors for personal benefit, and also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft last year.
Santos’ legal team recommended a two-year prison sentence.
The controversial figure expressed concerns for his safety and intended to request a sentence that would place him in protective custody.
“First and foremost, I’m going to ask for everything [incarcerated] because I fear for my safety and wish to be in solitary confinement,” Santos told Gaetz.
Gaetz inquired whether the recent pardon granted to a former Las Vegas councilman convicted of wire fraud provided Santos with “specific hope” for similar leniency.
“I have not requested a pardon from the president,” Santos responded. “Many people keep inquiring about this, but clearly, if the president decides to extend it, I would be grateful as it would alleviate a lot of pressure from me.”
“However, hope can ultimately fade. There could be numerous possibilities to anticipate.”
