George Santos, a US Republican lawmaker, faces federal charges of fabricating his biography, misreporting campaign funds and sexual harassment, according to US media.
A freshman US Republican lawmaker whose extensive lies have made political headlines since his election last year has been charged by the Justice Department, US media reported on Tuesday.
Contacted by AFP, the Justice Department declined to comment on the reports.
According to CNN, which cited three sources close to the case, the 34-year-old representative from New York could appear in court as soon as Wednesday.
Santos had admitted fabricating much of his biography, including his real name, his religion (he falsely claimed to be Jewish), his schooling, and his employment history when he ran for a House seat representing parts of Long Island, New York last year.
But he has also been accused of misusing and misreporting campaign funds and of sexual harassment of a man his office allegedly offered a job and then rescinded when the man turned down Santos’s advances.
He has faced calls to resign from constituents, some fellow Republicans and Democrats in Congress, but has thus far refused.
In an interview with TV host Piers Morgan earlier this year, Santos admitted to lies on his resume.
Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would “look at the charges,” before considering whether Congress should remove Santos.
Miroslava Salazar with AFP.
