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The FBI is investigating allegations that Rep. George Santos collected money to pay for surgery for a Navy veteran’s dying dog before disappearing with the money.
Richard Osthoff says he was contacted by two federal agents on Wednesday on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, according to POLITICO.
He said at the exit that he gave agents text messages from Mr. Santos, who he claimed raised $3,000 to save the Sapphire pit bull mix, but never turned them over.
“I’m glad the ball is moving with the big wigs. I was worried that what happened to me was too long ago to be prosecuted,” he told POLITICO.
Mr. Osthof told CNN last month that in 2016, Mr. Santos pledged to raise money for the dog while the veteran was homeless and living in a tent after losing his job and his house.
Mr. Santos told CNN in January that he had “no idea” what Mr. Osthof was talking about and defended his work with animals.
He also posted a tweet denying the allegation.
It is one of many scandals that have dogged Mr. Santos, a rookie Republican lawmaker from New York, since he won election on Long Island in November.
Since his election victory, he has faced a series of accusations that he embellished his personal history and faced calls for a Federal Election Commission investigation into his campaign finance.
“Only America’s attorneys are able to move at the necessary speed,” said New York Democrat Richie Torres Torres.
“There is no person who poses a greater threat in Congress than Santos. It is indisputable that he broke the law. We must protect Congress from George Santos, who threatens it from within.
Mr Santos admitted he had embellished areas of his personal history but refused to resign and said it was up to his constituents to fire him at the polls.
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