A Muslim Pennsylvania state lawmaker has been charged for allegedly stealing half a million dollars from a charity she founded.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement Thursday that Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell (D) had been charged with numerous charges of theft, perjury, and tampering.
Johnson-Harrell had previously made headlines for being offended by a Christian prayer offered before a session of the Pennsylvania Legislature in March.
Shapiro said that she had stolen money from Motivations Education & Consultation Associates, or MECA, a charity meant to collect donations to help the homeless, seniors and children.
He alleged that she spent the money on “vacations, designer clothing, luxury car payments, real estate purchases, past-due mortgage payments, and other personal expenses.”
Trump admin sues Penn State over in-state tuition policy for undocumented migrants
Trump’s massive Arlington triumphal arch approved for construction by federal planning commission
Indiana, Florida and Alabama carry out rare US triple execution day
Watch: DeSantis Nails Midterm Blowout with Blunt Talk on Thune’s GOP Senate – ‘They Didn’t Even Attempt’ Bold Conservatism
Military Identifies Remains of WWII Soldier Who Served in Legendary Merrill’s Marauders
Big Blue Wave Gives Democrats the Power to Effectively End the Electoral College Before 2028
Vance ‘privately’ blasts Netanyahu as Iran war divides Trump administration and 2028 ambitions loom
Child molester’s looming prison release reignites sanctuary showdown in wake of Dem election sweep
DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation Into Leak of Supreme Court Decision That Overturned Roe v. Wade
Preview of What’s to Come: As Iowa Falls to Dems, Obama Judge Clears Way for Satanists to Take Over Statehouse
California’s Sky-High Minimum Wage Claims Another Victim as Major Outback Steakhouse Franchisee Is Forced to File for Bankruptcy
Trump signs proclamation to prevent changes to Oval Office, other White House rooms
Texas State Rep Calls for Emergency Session Put Guardrails on Executive Branch Before Dems Seize Power
Eight GOP Reps. Who Co-Sponsored Amnesty Bill Voted Out of Office
Ex-Biden official projected to win bid to unseat Mike Lawler in high-stakes House race
Shapiro said in the statement that she had turned herself in, had confessed to the crimes, and had agreed to leave the Pennsylvania Legislature.
“Her theft knew no bounds,” he said.
Later, in a statement released through her lawyers to the Associated Press, she said she disputed some the charges.
“I am saddened and dismayed by the nature of the allegations brought against me today,” Johnson-Harrell said.
“I vigorously dispute many of these allegations, which generally pertain to before I took office and I intend to accept responsibility for any actions that were inappropriate,” she added.
Johnson-Harrell had founded MECA in 2006.
She had been the first Muslim representative elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature.
