George Santos.Photo: Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty
Federal investigators are reportedly looking into claims that Republican Rep.George Santosoncescammed a Navy veteran out of $3,000meant for his ailing service dog, CNN andPoliticoreport.
“I’m glad to get the ball rolling with the big-wigs,” Osthoff told Politico in an interview this week. “I was worried that what happened to me was too long ago to be prosecuted.”
A spokesperson for Santos has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According to Osthoff, Santos set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for Sapphire, but once the funds reached $3,000, he seemingly disappeared.
Sapphire’s tumor grew and she had to be euthanized, with Osthoff resorting to panhandling to pay for her euthanasia and cremation, he told Patch. “It was one of the most degrading things I ever had to do,” he said.
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The alleged pet fundraising scam is just one ofSantos' many controversies. Since being elected in November, the Republican congressman from New York has been caught in a web of lies and admitted to “embellishing” parts of his career, family history and personal life.
Last week, theWashington Postreported that the DOJ asked the Federal Election Commission to hold off on taking any action against Santos — a signal that the DOJ itself may be investigating the Republican’s campaign finances, which have raised numerous questions.
Earlier this week, Santos told colleagues he wouldtemporarily resignfrom his assignments on the Small Business and Science Committees while the investigations play out.
source: people.com
