Disgraced former New York congressman George Santos is making headlines once again — this time not for his political scandals, but for his bold prison request ahead of sentencing.
During an appearance on The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News Network (OANN) Thursday, Santos revealed that if sentenced to prison, he plans to request solitary confinement for the duration of his incarceration. The reason? He doesn’t want to make any new friends behind bars — and he’s concerned for his safety.
“I’m not looking to make friends in prison,” Santos told Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, adding that he believes being in solitary is the best option considering the high-profile nature of his case and his time in Congress.
Why George Santos Wants to Be Alone Behind Bars
Santos claims that his previous role as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives puts him in danger if he’s placed in general population. He emphasized that his outspoken views on gang violence, including his criticism of MS-13 and “roving Chilean gangs,” could make him a target behind bars.
Gaetz, who has his own share of controversy, echoed Santos’ concerns, pointing out that vocal critics of violent gangs — especially those with Latin American ties — are often viewed as enemies by incarcerated gang members.
Santos said he’s invoking protective custody privileges typically extended to high-risk or high-profile inmates, and added that he hopes to serve no more than two years of his potential sentence.
From Congress to Courtroom: Santos’ Legal Woes
The former congressman was arrested in May 2023 and charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes. Federal prosecutors accused him of defrauding donors, misusing campaign funds, and falsely claiming unemployment benefits — among other misdeeds.
By August 2024, Santos pleaded guilty to two of the nearly two dozen charges he faced, striking a deal to avoid trial. His plea deal includes a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, but he could face up to seven years behind bars depending on the judge’s final ruling.
In the interview with Gaetz, Santos once again labeled the case against him as a “witch hunt,” slamming the Biden administration and alleging political targeting — a common theme in his public statements.
The Fall of a Fabricated Resume
Santos rose to national notoriety after his election to Congress in 2022, only to be exposed less than a year later for having fabricated key parts of his campaign biography. Reports revealed that he had lied about his education, work history, family background, and even falsely claimed to have Jewish heritage.
After a series of investigations and mounting public and political pressure, Santos was expelled from Congress, becoming one of the few members in U.S. history to be removed from office without a criminal conviction at the time.
What the Bureau of Prisons Says
While Santos may be making headlines with his unusual request, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) isn’t making any promises.
In a statement to TMZ, a BOP spokesperson said they cannot speak to individual inmate cases but confirmed that inmate housing decisions are made based on multiple factors. These include the inmate’s security risk level, medical or psychological needs, programming requirements, and any safety concerns or threats.
“Separation and security measures are evaluated to ensure the individual’s protection,” the spokesperson said, noting that proximity to the inmate’s release residence is also considered.
So while Santos may ask for solitary confinement, the final decision rests with prison officials.
Sentencing Set for Friday
Santos is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing this Friday, where a federal judge will determine how long he’ll serve — and possibly where and how.
Until then, it remains uncertain whether Santos will get his wish to spend time isolated and protected — or if he’ll be placed in general population like most inmates.
Given the nature of his case and his outspoken media appearances, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see whether this former lawmaker ends up in solitude — or with cellmates who’ve likely heard all about him.