Key takeaways:
- Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) denied allegations that he was the mastermind behind a credit card skimming operation in Seattle in 2017.
- Gustavo Ribeiro Trelha, a former roommate of Santos, made the accusation in a sworn declaration.
- The FBI and other federal law enforcement officials are currently investigating the allegations against Santos.
On Friday, Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) denied allegations that he was the mastermind behind a credit card skimming operation in Seattle in 2017. The accusation was made in a sworn declaration by Gustavo Ribeiro Trelha, a former roommate of Santos, and was first reported by Politico.
Trelha pleaded guilty to “access device fraud” in 2017 in Seattle, federal records show. In the declaration, Trelha said he knew Santos as Anthony Devolder ― the name Santos used before he ran for Congress ― and that they lived together in Florida.
“Never did anything of criminal activity, and I have no mastermind event,” Santos told reporters on Capitol Hill. “He gave me all the materials and taught me how to put skimming devices and cameras on ATM machines. Innocent.”
Santos is the latest in a string of Republican lawmakers to face allegations of criminal activity. The accusations come at a time when the Republican party is under increased scrutiny for its handling of ethical issues.
The FBI and other federal law enforcement officials are currently investigating the allegations against Santos. It is unclear at this time what the outcome of the investigation will be.
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