State Sen. Washington Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge

As expected, on Thursday State Senator LeAnna Washington pleaded guilty to a felony charge of conflict of interest. She was charged with using her office to plan birthday parties for herself that doubled as political fundraisers.

Washington, who is also being sued by her former chief of staff, said she was “sorry” in court.

Washington avoided jail time by pleading guilty; she was sentenced to three months of home confinement, 57 months probation and must pay $200,000 in restitution. The state dropped a theft of services charge.

Washington ran for re-election, but lost in the primary to Art Haywood, a Cheltenham commissioner. The 4th Pennsylvania Senate district covers parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

Haywood is facing off against Republican Robin Gilchrist and independent Ines Reyes in Tuesday’s election.

[Inquirer]