Rep. George Santos accused of taking $3,000 from dying dog's GoFundMe

Newly sworn in Congressman George Santos is being accused of raising funds to help save the life of a veteran’s dog in 2016 and then taking off with the money, adding to the controversy surrounding the Republican representative. 

As Santos faces pressure to resign and is under investigation after he lied about his education and work experience on his resume, and fabricated his life story, new accusations have come to light. 

U.S. Navy veteran Rich Osthoff told CNN that Santos helped him set up a GoFundMe for his pit bull, Sapphire, who had begun developing a tumor but then took the money for the operation. 

In 2016, Sapphire had begun to develop a tumor. At the time, Osthoff was homeless and did not have enough resources to pay for his pup’s life-saving operation. Osthoff was introduced to Santos, who was frequently involved with helping animals, through a mutual friend. 

“Sapphire is a 10-year-old red nose pit bull that has been keeping this man company, she does not deserve to die because of this tumor, she deserves to be treated and cared for,” reads a Facebook post for the GoFundMe. “Will you help this baby and her daddy stay together for a few more years? Does he not deserve to have her? Let’s all come together to help this family of two stay healthy!” the post says.

The GoFundME allegedly raised $3,000. However, when Osthoff tried to access the money, he was unable to and Santos became uncooperative, saying that he wouldn’t be giving him the money. Eventually, Santos stopped replying to Osthoff’s messages and the GoFundMe was taken down after being reported. 

Sapphire eventually passed away. Osthoff contacted the police to report Santos’ bogus charity, but he said “it didn’t go anywhere at all.”

Santos denies having anything to do with the stolen funds and had “no clue”’’ who the veteran is.

“I have no clue what he’s talking about, and the crazy part is that anyone that knows me, knows I’d go to hell and back for a dog and especially a veteran.” He characterized the story, first reported by Patch.com, as “just more of the pile-on effect. I have dozens of people reaching out to me in support sharing their stories about their dogs and cats that I help save and rescue.”