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Report: George Santos likely to plead guilty in fraud case

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Disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who was charged with fraud and money laundering last year, is expected to plead guilty, according to the New York Times, canceling a federal trial on those charges that was set to begin soon.

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Santos told prosecutors he would plead guilty in New York on Monday, the Times reported, citing two unnamed lawyers involved in the case and two unnamed people familiar with the matter.

Santos can still change his mind before the trial on September 9.

The terms of the guilty plea and a possible sentence are still unclear, but the former Republican congressman and current independent faces a sentence of up to 22 years in a federal prison based on the charges.

An in-person hearing requested by prosecutors and Santos' lawyers is scheduled for Monday, but the purpose of the hearing is unclear, the Times said.

Santos initially pleaded not guilty last May and was later charged with 10 additional counts related to a fraud scheme in which he allegedly stole identities and financial information from donors.

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23. So many charges are brought against Santos, including wire fraud, identity theft, false statements and theft of public funds.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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