Prosecutors accept deal with George Santos in Brazilian fraud case
Mar 24, 2023, 10:12 AM
The House Ethics Committee has begun an investigation into Rep. George Santos (R-New York). (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images)
(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images)
(CNN) — Prosecutors in Brazil have agreed to a deal with Rep. George Santos in a case in which he is accused of defrauding a Rio de Janeiro area clerk of $1,300 over clothes and shoes in 2008, documents obtained by CNN show.
A petition from Santos’ attorney requesting a deal says Santos would agree to formally confess to the crime and pay damages to the victim, a Rio de Janeiro area clerk, as is required under Brazilian law.
A memo from prosecutors agreeing to the deal last week asked the defense for assurances they have the ability to contact the victim to repay him before the deal is finalized.
The petition from Santos’ attorney, filed in January, requests a non-prosecutorial agreement in lieu of a trial for his client, arguing that Santos is now gainfully employed and “re-socialized.” The petition also requested permission for Santos to be contacted by the court via email or phone, and participate in the proceedings via videoconference.
Agreements can be reached in non-violent cases where the sentencing minimum is under four years.
This story has been updated with additional details.
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