NEW YORK (AP) A man who briefly worked as an aide to U.S. Rep. George Santos says he got his job after sending a series of payments to one of the Republicans top deputies.

Derek Myers, 31, told staff of the Houses ethics subcommittee during an interview Wednesday that while he was trying to get a job in Santos congressional office in late January, he sent at least seven $150 payments to Santos director of operations, Vish Burra.

Myers shared details about the payments, including receipts and text messages, with The Associated Press. His account of how Burra helped him get hired hasnt previously been reported and raises questions about potential ethical improprieties around Santos.

Myers said he began sending the money unsolicited because he believed Burra, a right-wing political operative, wasnt getting paid by the House at the time and couldnt afford food. But he said he also hoped the payments might help him secure a job.