Federal prosecutors are pushing for a sentence of more than seven years in prison for former U.S. Representative George Santos, who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud and identity theft. In a court filing on Friday, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York described Santos’ conduct as a blatant abuse of the democratic process, arguing that his actions “made a mockery” of the American electoral system.

“From inventing a completely false biography to stealing money from elderly and vulnerable donors, Santos’s greed and thirst for fame drove him to exploit every aspect of the political system,” prosecutors wrote. They pointed to his lies to campaign staff, voters, and colleagues in Congress as part of a sweeping scheme rooted in deception.

Santos, a Republican who briefly represented parts of Queens and Long Island, was expelled from Congress in 2023 following revelations that he had fabricated nearly every aspect of his personal and professional background. His expulsion marked only the sixth time in U.S. history a member of the House has been removed by their peers.

Prosecutors also accused Santos of showing no genuine remorse, noting that he has neither repaid victims nor surrendered any of the funds he fraudulently obtained. They warned that his “extraordinary pattern of dishonesty” and lack of accountability suggested a high risk of reoffending.

Santos’ defense team, however, urged the court to impose a reduced sentence of two years—the mandatory minimum for aggravated identity theft. They emphasized his lack of prior criminal history and his role as a caregiver to his sister and young niece. His lawyers also cited his cooperation in a separate federal investigation into a Texas man accused of attempting to extort him.

They argued that Santos has already suffered significant consequences, including losing his seat in Congress and becoming the subject of national ridicule. “This sentence, paired with the severe public fallout Mr. Santos has endured, would send a strong message about accountability while allowing him a chance at rehabilitation,” the defense memo stated.

A federal judge in Long Island is expected to hand down Santos’ sentence on April 25.

Once seen as a rising GOP figure, the 36-year-old had portrayed himself as a successful businessman with elite academic credentials and a robust real estate portfolio. In reality, he was financially unstable, had faced eviction, and had fabricated much of his résumé to gain political traction.