After an investigation revealed that Margo Davidson, a Pennsylvania Democrat Representative, had misused taxpayer funds for her personal use, she resigned from Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a statement announcing that Davidson stands accused of filing fraudulent reimbursement claims for overnight stays and for events already paid for by her campaign.
Shapiro’s Office also stated that Davidson allegedly received payment for the claims from the House Comptroller’s Office and attempted to pay a witness in order to lie during the investigation.
“Bank records showed more than $8,000 in spending by her campaign account that was either not disclosed or reported falsely, prosecutors said. Most of that money came in 18 cash withdrawals over 2016-2019,” investigators stated.
Matthew Smith, special agent for the state attorney general’s office wrote in an affidavit, “These fraudulent reimbursements personally enriched Davidson”
The Representative was charged with misdemeanors of Theft and Solicitation to Hinder Apprehension.
She waived her preliminary hearing, and she has paid $6,925 in restitution.
A Grand Jury found that State Rep. Margo Davidson, 58, requested overnight expenses for nights she did not spend in Harrisburg, and received personal reimbursements from the state for expenses that had been paid for by her campaign. Davidson has resigned. https://t.co/tDzzKfkBuH
— WPMT FOX43 (@fox43) July 22, 2021
Today my office announced charges against State Representative Margo Davidson.
— AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) July 22, 2021
State Representatives swear an oath to use their office for public service — not fraudulent personal gain.https://t.co/188proVFH4
“Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced charges against State Representative Margo Davidson for stealing from the Commonwealth by filing fraudulent overnight per diem requests and various expenses through the State House Comptroller’s Office as well as hindering a state prosecution,” the statement from Shaprio’s office read.
“She resigned from her position and accepted responsibility today,” the statement continued.
“State Representatives swear an oath to use their office for public service — not fraudulent personal gain. We will uphold the laws of the Commonwealth without bias, and we will continue to uncover corruption wherever it is found,” Shapiro said.
“Those taxpayer-funded comptroller payments went directly into Davidson’s pocket for ‘expenses’ that she did not incur,” investigators wrote.
“Today, I sadly announce my resignation and take legal responsibility for improper record-keeping and reimbursement of expenses,” Davidson said in a written statement.
“I further take responsibility for and regret not fully participating with the investigation,” said the statement released through her attorney, Geoffrey Johnson.
