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 welcomes Netanyahu to White House as raging Iran war threatens to sour US-Israel relationship
Christian Teacher Released from Prison After 700 Days for Refusing to Use Preferred Pronouns
Major CEO Predicts Another $100 Billion Is Heading Toward Trump Accounts
Fauci privately took credit for COVID-19 lockdowns despite public denial, newly exposed diary entries reveal
Lindsey Graham’s final mission nears finish line as world leaders gather to honor him
Democrats target more GOP House seats after socialist victories rock left-wing primaries
Lindsay Clancy’s ex-husband details ‘big spiral’ as expert says one part ‘scared me’ in mom’s murder trial
Heroic 16-year-old lifeguard rescues child from monster surf in heart-stopping video
California family members claim they were attacked at luxury Maui resort during violent melee
Leaked Document Reveals How Senate Republicans Plan to Walk Tightrope on SAVE America Act
19 cadets rushed to hospitals after mystery illness strikes military-style youth academy in DC area
Biden ghostwriter tapes released after former president forfeits legal battle
Biden’s classified docs narrative crumbles amid release of ghostwriter tapes: ‘Be careful’
Trump Calls on John Thune to Hold Senators in D.C. Until They Terminate the Filibuster
Senate advances nomination of Jay Clayton to lead intel community
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.
