Republican congressman arrested by federal prosecutors

Santos reported in its financial disclosure form that it makes $750,000 a year from family-owned Deboulder Organization, but charges revealed Wednesday said Santos did not receive that amount and $1 million. And he claims he didn’t receive the $5 million dividend either. Listed as from the company.

Santos describes the Devolder Organization as a broker for the sale of luxury goods such as yachts and aircraft. The business was incorporated in Florida shortly after Santos stopped working as a salesman for a company accused by federal authorities of running an illegal Ponzi scheme.

Many of Santos’ fellow New York Republicans called for him to resign after his history of fabrication came to light.As news of the criminal case spread, some renewed their criticism of him.

“Listen, George Santos should have resigned in December. George Santos should have resigned in January,” said Mark Molinaro, a Republican who represents parts of upstate New York. .

“George Santos should have resigned yesterday. And perhaps he will resign today. But sooner or later, whether he chooses or not, both truth and justice will be delivered to him.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was more cautious, stating, “In America, you think you’re innocent until proven guilty.”

Santos has faced criminal investigations before.

When he was 19, he was the subject of a criminal investigation in Brazil for allegedly using stolen checks to purchase items at a clothing store. Brazilian authorities said they had reopened the case.

In 2017, Santos was charged with theft in Pennsylvania after authorities said he spent thousands on fraudulent checks to purchase puppies from dog breeders. The lawsuit was dismissed after Santos claimed his checkbook was stolen and that someone else had taken the dog.

Federal officials are separately investigating complaints that Santos is fundraising for groups claiming to help neglected and abused pets. accused him of failing to provide the $3,000 he had raised to support his surgery.