A senior Democrat has criticized Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for continuing to protect Congressman George Santos, despite one of Santos' aides being charged with impersonating McCarthy's chief of staff. Daniel Goldman of New York called McCarthy "pathetic and shameful" for standing by Santos. A federal indictment was issued against Samuel Miele, the aide, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Miele allegedly impersonated McCarthy's chief of staff while soliciting campaign donations for Santos. Miele, who worked as a paid campaign fundraiser for Santos, sent a letter to Santos admitting to faking his identity to a big donor. He described himself as "high risk, high reward." Miele is accused of obtaining campaign donations for Santos by pretending to be the top aide and receiving 15% commissions on each donation. Santos himself has faced multiple charges, including fraud, theft, and money laundering, and has denied any wrongdoing. McCarthy removed Santos from committee assignments but has otherwise protected him. Santos is running for re-election next year.

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Title: Democrat Calls Out Republican Congressman for Protecting Aide Facing Charges of Impersonation

Article: A senior Democrat has criticized Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for continuing to protect Congressman George Santos, despite one of Santos' aides being charged with impersonating McCarthy's chief of staff. Daniel Goldman of New York called McCarthy "pathetic and shameful" for standing by Santos. A federal indictment was issued against Samuel Miele, the aide, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Miele allegedly impersonated McCarthy's chief of staff while soliciting campaign donations for Santos. Miele, who worked as a paid campaign fundraiser for Santos, sent a letter to Santos admitting to faking his identity to a big donor. He described himself as "high risk, high reward." Miele is accused of obtaining campaign donations for Santos by pretending to be the top aide and receiving 15% commissions on each donation. Santos himself has faced multiple charges, including fraud, theft, and money laundering, and has denied any wrongdoing. McCarthy removed Santos from committee assignments but has otherwise protected him. Santos is running for re-election next year.