(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(LOWELL, Mass.) David Nangle, a former state representative for the 17th Middlesex district covering parts of Lowell and Chelmsford, pleaded guilty Wednesday to nearly two dozen federal fraud charges, according to the Boston Herald.
Nangle initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea on Wednesday. The 23 charges include 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, four counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns. According to the Lowell Sun, Nangle used campaign funds to pay personal expenses and debts incurred due to significant gambling losses.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement after the hearing, "Elected representatives are expected to work for the benefit of their constituents, not to line their own pockets."
Lelling added, "Mr. Nangle violated his obligations to the public by siphoning campaign dollars to cover the cost of his personal lifestyle, violating both federal law and the trust placed in him by voters. This office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute public corruption in the Commonwealth’s government institutions."
During the hearing, Judge Rya W. Zobel asked Nangle if he committed the crimes as described by the U.S. Attorney's office and Nangle confirmed he did.
“Did you use campaign money for your own purposes that had nothing to do with the campaign?” Zobel asked in relation to the first 10 charges.
“Yes, I did, your honor,” Nangle said, adding that he knew his actions were against the law.
The judge ordered Nangle to continue to comply with his previously set conditions for release and not acquire assets worth $5,000 or more.
Nangle is set to be sentenced June 24.