Ex-US lawmaker George Santos walks free after Trumps commutes his sentence
The former New York congressman was sentenced to over seven years in prison for fraud and identity theft
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had commuted the sentence of former congressman George Santos, who was scheduled to serve more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.
The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people – including his own family members – to make donations to his campaign.
He reported to Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, in southern New Jersey, on July 25 and was housed in a minimum security prison camp with fewer than 50 other inmates. Joseph Murray, one of Santos’ lawyers, confirmed on Friday that the former lawmaker was released around 11pm and was greeted outside the facility by his family.
“George Santos was somewhat of a ‘rogue’, but there are many rogues throughout our Country that aren’t forced to serve seven years in prison,” Trump posted on his social media platform. He said he had “just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY.”
“Good luck George, have a great life!” Trump said.
During his time behind bars, Santos had been writing regular dispatches in a local newspaper on Long Island, in which he mainly complained about the prison conditions.