Disabled Navy Veteran Accuses Newly Elected Rep. George Santos of Fraudulently Raising Funds for Dog’s Life-Saving Surgery

A disabled Navy veteran has accused newly elected Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) of fraudulently raising funds for his service dog’s lifesaving surgery and then disappearing with the money.

Richard Osthoff, a U.S. Navy veteran, told Patch that Santos conned him in 2016 while he was living in a tent on the side of a highway in Howell, New Jersey, with his beloved dog Sapphire. Sapphire was diagnosed with a life-threatening stomach tumor, and Osthoff was quoted $3,000 for the surgery to remove it.

Osthoff said he was approached by Anthony Devolder, who ran Friends of Pets United, a pet charity, and was told that a GoFundMe page had been created to help cover the cost of the surgery. However, Osthoff said he never received the money and believes access to the $3,000 donation pot would have saved his dog’s life.

“It’s horrendous that he could lie and steal and cheat his way through life,” Osthoff said. “And now he’s somebody that we’re supposed to trust.”

The identity of Anthony Devolder is linked to Rep. Santos, whose full name is George Anthony Devolder Santos. Santos has not yet responded to the allegations.

The incident has sparked outrage among veterans and animal rights activists, who are calling for an investigation into the matter. They are also demanding that Rep. Santos be held accountable for his actions and that the money be returned to Osthoff.