Jorge Santos, an American lawmaker of Brazilian parents, is the target of new charges world

Jorge Santos, an American representative of Brazilian parents, during a session of the US Congress – Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

North American lawmaker Jorge Santos, the son of two Brazilians, was the target of more criminal charges on Tuesday (10). He is suspected of exaggerating his campaign’s fundraising numbers and charging contributors’ credit cards without their consent.

A 23-count indictment accused the congresswoman and her former treasurer, Nancy Marks, of falsely reporting to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that members of their family had made significant financial contributions.

The false reports showed that Santos’ campaign had raised at least US$250,000 (R$1.2 million) from outside donors in one quarter. Prosecutors said that was the minimum to be eligible for financial and logistical support from the Republican Party.

Santos also told the Federal Election Commission that he made a $500,000 loan to his campaign when he only had $8,000 in his bank accounts at the time, according to the indictment.

Marks pleaded guilty last week to one count of conspiracy.

Santos’ defense had not spoken publicly until this report was published.

Defrauding potential political supporters by laundering money to pay for personal expenses;
illegally receiving unemployment benefits while working;
Lying about assets to the US House of Representatives.

The first-term politician has pleaded not guilty and resisted calls to resign over lying on his CV. He was released on bail of US$500,000 (R$2.5 million).