Samuel Miele, a former fundraiser for Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, intensifying the scrutiny on the congressman. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York confirmed Miele’s guilty plea, which adds to the challenges facing Santos, who is already under pressure from bipartisan calls for his expulsion from Congress.
Santos faces 23 federal charges but maintains his innocence. Miele’s sentencing is scheduled for April 30. This development occurs as the House Ethics Committee prepares to release a report on Santos, with expectations of unfavorable findings.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) plans to initiate another expulsion vote following the report’s release. Despite these challenges, Santos has expressed intentions to run for his seat again in 2024. Miele’s indictment in August involved charges of wire fraud and identity theft, linked to fundraising for Santos’s campaign. This plea follows a similar agreement by Nancy Marks, Santos’s former campaign treasurer, and comes amidst additional charges against Santos for campaign finance irregularities.