George Santos is expected to plead guilty in his fraud case during a hearing Monday in federal court on Long Island, sources familiar with the case told ABC News, while warning that the erratic former Republican congressman could always change his mind.
A guilty plea would avoid a trial scheduled to begin next month. Hundreds of potential jurors had already been called.
Calls seeking comment to Santos, his attorney and federal prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York were not returned.
Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives, charged with 23 crimes who accuse him of defrauding donors, lying about his finances and unnecessarily receiving unemployment benefits, among other things.
George Santos, who was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives, leaves the courthouse on Long Island after his corruption trial in Central Islip, New York, on August 13, 2024.
Adam Gray/Reuters
It was not immediately clear what charges Santos is expected to plead to or what sentence would be imposed.
Santos allegedly misrepresented parts of his background and biography during his campaign to represent parts of Queen’s and Nassau County, but the criminal charges which he has pleaded guilty to mainly relating to money.
Two associates, including Santos’ former campaign treasurer, have pleaded guilty to charges for their role in his alleged fraud.