State AG Announces Theft Charges Against State Sen. Washington

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane on Wednesday announced criminal charges against State Sen. LeAnna Washington.

Washington, D-4th District, represents towns in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

The grand jury found that Washington, “through intimidation and verbal abuse, directed senate staff to perform campaign work even though staff knew what they were doing was against the law and that they had an obligation to report such activities,” the Attorney General’s Office said.

"The evidence will show that Senator Washington pressured her staff into performing political activities using taxpayer dollars for her own personal benefit," Kane said. 

The Attorney General’s Office said that Washington used state-paid employees and equipment to throw herself a birthday fundraiser.

The monetary loss to the commonwealth is believed to range from at least $30,000 to in excess of $100,000, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Representatives for Washington said to expect a statement from her office later Wednesday.

Washington is charged with one count of theft of services and one count of violation of the conflict of interest statute, the Attorney General’s Office said. Both are felony charges.

If convicted on all charges, Washington faces a sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of $25,000, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Washington was asked by the Attorney General’s Office to turn herself in on Wednesday.