George Santos came to the Poconos after Trump commuted his prison sentence

After being released from prison on Oct. 17, Republican former congressman George Santos didn’t waste any time enjoying his freedom. And where did he go? Straight to the Poconos.

According to New York Magazine, Santos dined at Desaki, a hibachi and sushi restaurant, on Oct. 19. He was drinking a piña colada, singing along to the Backstreet Boys and catching flying zucchini in his mouth. He was reportedly joined by his husband, Matt Gerard.

The magazine reported that Santos and his husband headed to the Poconos from a New Jersey prison after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence. The couple has a second home in the area, where they spend time away from their residence in Queens, New York.

Santos, 37, had been sentenced in April to seven years and three months for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He began his sentence on July 25.

The Pocono Record reported in June 2024 that U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert of the Eastern District of New York had granted Santos permission to visit the Poconos while awaiting sentencing. The ruling modified his bail conditions to allow more frequent trips to the region during the summer months, specifically listing Tobyhanna as the approved location.

Prior to that, Santos’ travel was limited to New York City, Long Island, and Washington, D.C., without advance notice, and to other areas only with prior approval from his pretrial services officer.