Congressman George Santos Is In Custody, Faces 13-Count Federal Indictment

Following months of investigation into U.S. Rep. George Santos’ financial conduct and a series of damning allegations, the embattled representative now faces the possibility of being jettisoned from Congress.

The Long Island Republican was hit with a 13-count federal indictment and is in custody New York, CNN reported Wednesday.

Santos is charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives, according to live updates via The New York Times.

Santos Could Serve 20 Years If Convicted: The indictment comes on the heels of a House Ethics Committee investigation launched in early March.

Santos, who has been embroiled in accusations of dishonesty regarding his employment, education and heritage, has been under intense scrutiny from lawmakers.

Despite the charges, Santos remains a member of Congress until a possible conviction.

The disgraced Congressman faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to a Business Insider report that cited prosecutors.

If convicted, Santos could be barred from voting on the House floor. The prospect of expulsion would require a two-thirds majority vote from the House unless Santos voluntarily resigns.

His indictment stirred a wave of pressure from both sides of the aisle, according to a CBS report. Democrats and Republicans alike have called for his resignation, with fellow Republican Congressman Mike Lawler calling Santos' conduct “embarrassing and disgraceful.”

Amid the mounting pressure, the decision now rests on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has previously said that members should only resign after being found guilty.

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