Pennsylvania state lawmaker accused of stealing $500K from her charity will resign

The Pennsylvania state lawmaker who was charged with stealing more than $500,000 from a nonprofit that she founded plans to resign.

Pennsylvania state Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell (D) was charged on Wednesday with eight alleged crimes related to the scandal, including theft, perjury and record tampering. 

Prosecutors said that Johnson-Harrell had been shaving money away from her nonprofit — Motivations Education & Consultation Associates — for years to fund a variety of personal expenses, including fur coats, vacations and her campaign.

On Thursday, Johnson-Harrell sent a letter to state House Speaker Mike Turzai (R), saying that she will resign from the body Dec. 13 and then defend herself against the allegations, according to CNN.

“I am saddened and dismayed by the nature of the allegations brought against me today,” Johnson-Harrell said in a statement.

“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’s alleged scheme happened from 2015 to 2019, according to the charges. She is accused of having spent roughly $15,000 in stolen funds on clothes and $16,000 on vacations.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) said Wednesday, “I’ve said time and time again as Attorney General that no one is above the law, no matter their position of power. And today is no different.”