The FBI is investigating Rep. George Santos‘ alleged role in purporting to boost funds for a veteran’s dying canine by way of a pet charity, a consultant for the veteran informed CBS Information on Wednesday.
A consultant for Wealthy Osthoff, the veteran in query, informed CBS Information that Osthoff had been contacted by the FBI, and spoke to them on Wednesday. The consultant disclosed he additionally spoke Wednesday with the FBI, and stated they’ll query him at a later date.
Politico first reported the information.
Osthoff informed CBS Information final month that Santos helped him elevate $3,000 for his dying canine by way of Santos’ pet charity. However Osthoff, who’s disabled and was homeless, stated he by no means bought the cash from Santos, and his canine died six months later.
Santos has denied the allegation.
/ Getty Photographs
Santos, a Republican from the North Shore of Lengthy Island, New York, was first elected to Congress in November, flipping what had been anticipated to be a blue district. Nonetheless, earlier than he was sworn in, he admitted to fabricating key components of his biography, and is now below scrutiny by state and federal prosecutors. The Federal Election Commission can also be investigating his marketing campaign spending, and he’s the topic of complaints to the House Ethics Committee over his monetary disclosure types.
On Tuesday, Santos said he had recused himself from serving on Home committees as he faces rising calls to resign.
“This was a choice that I take very critically. The enterprise of the 118th Congress should proceed with out media fanfare,” Santos stated Tuesday. “It will be important that I primarily give attention to serving the constituents of New York’s third Congressional District and offering federal stage illustration with out distraction.”
A Newsday/Siena College poll printed Tuesday discovered that 78% of his constituents stated he ought to step apart, together with 71% of Republicans. Of 653 registered voters polled, an amazing majority of his constituents, 83%, view him unfavorably, together with 78% of GOP voters.
Rebecca Kaplan, Michael Kaplan and Melissa Quinn contributed to this report.
