A man from Texas has received a sentence of 18 months in prison for attempting to con Congressman George Santos out of nearly $1 million by promising to eliminate evidence related to Santos’s corruption trial. Hector Medina, 40, pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud. He created a false identity as a politically influential fixer and aimed to pressure Santos with claims that he could make evidence tied to him “disappear.”
Federal prosecutors informed the court that Medina, who used the alias Michael Soto, attempted similar scams on other well-known criminal figures, notably actor Danny Masterson, but was unsuccessful in convincing anyone. According to Medina’s attorney, Joseph Veith, his client’s actions stemmed from an attempt to settle gambling debts, characterized by a scheme that “lacked the sophistication and credibility necessary to pose any real threat of success.”
Medina’s guilty plea occurred in September, shortly after Santos acknowledged his own deceitful actions which included misleading voters, tricking donors, and impersonating several individuals, even family members, to secure donations for his campaign. Veith remarked on the unusual nature of the case, noting that it is rare for both a defendant and a victim to face charges for similar offenses independently. He mentioned that Medina is relieved that his case has reached a resolution, regardless of Santos’s ongoing legal challenges.
Santos, for his part, refrained from commenting on Medina’s situation but indicated that he had submitted a statement for the judge’s review. Earlier in the month, Santos requested the presiding New York judge to postpone his sentencing until summer. He stated that this extension would allow him to gather enough funds to address over $500,000 in fines, which he intends to earn through further episodes of his newly launched podcast titled “Pants on Fire.”
As for Santos, he faces a two-year mandatory minimum sentence due to the identity theft charge, with the possibility of serving up to 22 years behind bars. His sentencing is presently set for April 25.
