Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) is facing backlash over allegations that he put his former romantic partner on the government payroll.
D’Esposito reportedly paid Devin Faas approximately $2,000 a month for a part-time job in his New York office, according to an investigation by the New York Times.
NEW: Rep Anthony D’Esposito had an affair — and put his lover on his congressional payroll, according to three people familiar w/the relationship + the mistress’s ex-husband.
It was one of a pair of hires that may violate House ethics rules. More here >>https://t.co/4YAVQJDLJi
— Nicholas Fandos (@npfandos) September 23, 2024
Faas collected payments between April and July of 2023, when D’Esposito’s fiancée, Cynthia Lark, allegedly found out about the pair’s affair. D’Esposito also hired Lark’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office for up to $3,800 a month, per the report.
In total, the congressman paid the two women roughly $29,000 in taxpayer funds.
“We do not comment on personnel matters,” a spokesperson for D’Esposito told the outlet. “Congressman D’Esposito remains focused on fighting for real issues that impact Long Islanders, like securing our borders and ending the affordability crisis.”
The congressman hails from Nassau County and has represented New York’s 4th Congressional District since 2023. He could face an investigation from the House Ethics Committee over the allegations.
The Washington Examiner reached out to D’Esposito’s office for comment.
Former Republican Rep. George Santos attacked his ex-Empire State colleague as he led the response to the allegations with a post to X.
Calling D’Esposito a “dirty public servant,” Santos celebrated the report for revealing what he believes is the Nassau GOP’s “slime.”
Hey @npfandos this is good but missing A LOT of context!
But I love how finally you guys are writing about the slime in the @NassauNYGOP!@ANTHONYDESPO was a dirty cop according to his record and he is a dirty public servant.
Let’s see what the “ethics” committee will do with…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) September 23, 2024
“Let’s see what the ‘ethics’ committee will do with this,” he concluded.
Santos was investigated by the House Ethics Committee last year. The committee’s report found that the New Yorker had “knowingly” violated federal laws and used donor money to pay for vacations, Botox, and a subscription to OnlyFans. Santos was expelled from the lower chamber.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
D’Espostito was one of the many members who called on Santos to resign prior to his expulsion.
He said that the committee’s report was “in alignment with my long-held belief that this fraudster has no place serving in the People’s House, and I once again call on my colleagues to join me in advocating for George Santos’ expulsion from Congress.”
