Former Fundraiser for Rep. George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Access Device Fraud

Samuel Miele, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his work as a fundraiser for the 2022 campaign of Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y. According to court documents, Miele also admitted to committing access device fraud that totaled about $100,000 in losses.

Miele was charged in August with wire fraud and identity theft for having posed as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy while raising money for Santos’s 2022 campaign. Prosecutors said Miele used the aide’s identity with over a dozen potential donors, raising money for the candidate while enriching himself through 15% commissions on each donation.

In his plea, Miele also admitted that he charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns of “Candidate #1” — Santos — and other campaigns, as well as himself.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is prosecuting the case. Miele is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2021. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Rep. George Santos is currently under investigation for alleged campaign finance violations. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed against the congressman.