Former Rep. George Santos’s (R-N.Y.) sentencing is delayed till April, a decide dominated Wednesday.
Santos, who was ousted from Congress in late 2023, had his request to delay sentencing partly granted.
In Choose Joanna Seybert’s order on Wednesday, she famous that since Santos pleaded responsible, he has not made any funds towards the quantity owed or indicated he has the funds to take action, “despite his promises and predictions.”
In a submitting final week, Santos’s attorneys requested the court docket to delay his authentic February sentencing date till August, citing the forfeiture cash owed 30 days earlier than sentencing.
Prosecutors stated Santos’s claims are “speculative” and delaying sentencing may set a “perverse incentive structure” that rewards defendants who’ve notoriety.
Nonetheless, Seybert stated in her order that she would delay the sentencing date barely as a “one-time courtesy.”
Santos’s new sentencing date is on April 25, and he’s required to pay greater than $205,000 in forfeiture, along with $375,000 in restitution.
The previous lawmaker’s staff argued Santos now has a “viable path” to pay the high quality and a “promising revenue stream,” after his podcast, “Pants on Fire with George Santos” launched final month.
Prosecutors disputed the request and requested the decide to maintain the February date in place, noting Santos has had ample time to safe the funds since he pleaded responsible final August.
Santos pleaded responsible to 2 felonies, avoiding a legal trial. Though he initially confronted 23 felony counts, his lesser plea nonetheless may carry jail time.
The previous lawmaker was expelled from the Home after a scathing Home Ethics report discovered he deceived marketing campaign donors, and stole from marketing campaign funds to make the most of for private use.
