NEW YORK, May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative George Santos was arrested on Wednesday on federal charges of fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds in the latest hit to the newly elected Republican, who has resisted calls to resign for lying about his resume.
The 13-count indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, charges Santos, 34, with defrauding prospective political supporters by laundering funds to pay for his personal expenses and illegally receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed.
He is also accused of making false statements to the House of Representatives about his assets, income and liabilities.
Nine House Republicans have so far called on Santos to resign, including six from his home state of New York.
Among other claims, Santos said he had degrees from New York University and Baruch College despite neither institution's having any record of his attending.