Former George Santos Fundraiser , Indicted for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft .<br />On August 16, a former fundraiser for U.S. Rep. <br />George Santos was indicted on federal charges <br />of impersonating a high-ranking congressional aide. .<br />Associated Press reports that the charges <br />allegedly stem from when the fundraiser was <br />soliciting contributions for Santos' campaign.<br />27-year-old Sam Miele was charged <br />with four counts of wire fraud <br />and aggravated identity theft.<br />AP reports that through the alleged scheme, <br />Miele defrauded donors in an attempt to <br />raise money for Santos under false pretenses.<br />According to prosecutors, Miele impersonated a <br />“high-ranking aide to a member of the House with leadership responsibilities" by using a fake name and email address.<br />In an August 16 filing, prosecutors said that the events <br />of the case overlap with allegations against Santos <br />that he committed wire fraud and money laundering.<br />Federal prosecutors accuse Miele of sending <br />"fraudulent fundraising solicitations" to over <br />a dozen people between August and December of 2021.<br />Prosecutors said that Miele earned a 15% <br />commission for every contribution he raised.<br />Three months ago, Santos was arrested on charges <br />of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public <br />funds and making false statements to Congress. .<br />Three months ago, Santos was arrested on charges <br />of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public <br />funds and making false statements to Congress. .<br />AP reports that Republicans in the House, <br />who currently hold a narrow majority, <br />have failed to call for Santos to be expelled.
