Rep. George Santos arrested on federal criminal charges

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY - U.S. Rep. George Santos, the New York Republican infamous for fabricating key parts of his life story, was arrested on federal criminal charges Wednesday ahead of an expected court appearance.According to the indictment, Santos induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense that the money would be used to support his campaign.

Instead, it said, he used it for personal expenses, including luxury designer clothes and to pay off his credit cards."Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself."U.S.

Attorney Breon Peace said the indictment "seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations."RELATED: George Santos admits to being a 'terrible liar' in new interview"Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself," Peace said.Santos was expected to make an initial court appearance at a federal courthouse on Long Island later Wednesday, at which time the charges against him would be unsealed.Reached by the AP on Tuesday, Santos said he was unaware of the charges.Santos was elected to Congress last fall after a campaign built partly on falsehoods.

He told people he was a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker with a substantial real estate portfolio who had been a star volleyball player in college, among other things.