Frustrating former Congressman George Santos reported being imprisoned and began sentenced to more than seven years on wire fraud, identity theft and other charges.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed to the BBC on Friday that Santos was detained at the federal correctional facility in Felton, New Jersey.
The 37-year-old pleaded guilty in New York court last year.
This marks the downfall of a novice New York politician who claims in a fraud case that he lied to his background and abused campaign funds to fund a luxury lifestyle.
Santos said in a post on X that his “rhinestones are already full”.
He wrote: “I may leave the stage now (for the time being) but believe my legend will never really quit.”
The federal government accused Santos of laundering money for campaign funds to cover his personal expenses, illegally claiming unemployment benefits when employed and lied to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
Prosecutors said he charged more than $44,000 (£32,000) in campaigns within months using credit cards belonging to contributors who didn’t know he was cheated.
Last year in court, Santos pleaded guilty to theft and applied for unemployment benefits he was not entitled to.
He was also ordered to pay at least $374,000 in damages.
Santos tried to raise funds on Cameo after his sentencing in April, which could buy personalized videos from celebrities.
Santos caught the eye when he defeated Democratic business in 2022, flipped a region covering parts of Long Island and Queens in New York.
The controversy began when the New York Times published a story that revealed that Santos, who had no political background, lied to his resume, including having a college degree and working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.
Soon after, a new series of lies emerged, including his false claim that his mother survived the September 11 terrorist attack. Soon after, local and federal officials investigated members of Congress.
Santos was eventually charged with 23 federal felony crimes and became the first member of Congress to be fired for more than 20 years in 2023, with only sixth place in history.
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