Delco Rep. Margo Davidson Misused Campaign Funds: PA AG

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Delaware County State Rep. Margo Davidson said she will resign following charges of misusing campaign funds.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced charges against Davidson (D-164th) 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.

She has been charged with misdemeanor charges of theft, solicitation to hinder apprehension, and election code violations.

Davidson, 58, resigned from her position and accepted responsibility Thursday.

"State Representatives swear an oath to use their office for public service — not fraudulent personal gain," Shapiro said. "We will uphold the laws of the Commonwealth without bias, and we will continue to uncover corruption wherever it is found."

A Grand Jury found that Davidson requested overnight expenses for nights she did not spend in Harrisburg, and received personal reimbursements from the Commonwealth for expenses that had been paid for by her campaign.

Davidson has also been charged with Election Code violations arising from failure to report campaign finance information, as well as soliciting a witness to lie during the course of the investigation.

Representatives are entitled to payments for out-of-pocket expenses during official events and trips. However, Davidson was reimbursed for expenses paid for by her campaign, according to the AG's office. She was also reimbursed for overnight expenses that she submitted but never incurred at all. Each fraudulent claim resulted in personal profit for Davidson, the AG's office said.

She waived her preliminary hearing, and has paid the restitution of $6,925.