Veteran from NJ accuses Rep. Santos of stealing donations meant for sick dog

Navy veteran Rich Osthoff says that Rep. George Santos promised to help him raise $3,000 for his dog’s lifesaving surgery back in 2016.

News 12 Staff

Jan 19, 2023, 3:18 AM

Updated 625 days ago

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A homeless veteran from New Jersey is accusing New York Rep. George Santos of stealing money from a GoFundMe fundraiser meant for his sick service dog.
Navy veteran Rich Osthoff says that Santos promised to help him raise $3,000 for his dog’s lifesaving surgery back in 2016. He was living in a tent along Route 9 in Howell at the time.
Osthoff says Santos took the money for himself. The dog later died.
"I was sick. To see somebody like that, that could do something that dastardly, could rise to such a high position. That shouldn't be right. That shouldn't happen,” Osthoff told CNN.
Santos says that Osthoff’s story is fake and does not know him.
Santos has been criticized over the lies he has admitted to telling about his education, work experience and other aspects of his life. Critics have called for him to resign.
The newly-elected congressman says that he won’t be stepping down.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.