Pamela Harris
Pamela Harris is a New York Assemblywoman representing Bay Ridge, Coney Island, Dyker Heights and other nearby communities.
The 57-year-old is said to have stolen federal and city funds and is now facing multiple federal corruption charges. According to CBS, Harris has been slapped with two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of making false statements, two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of witness tampering and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Find out more about the shady assemblywoman below.
#1 She became an Assembly member three years ago
Harris joined the Assembly in a special election in 2015 and was reelected a year later.
#2 Prosecutors say she was scheming before she took office
Federal prosecutors believe Pamela Harris was scheming when she headed a non-profit group helping kids in Coney Island. According to the indictment, Harris took more than $70,000 from the City Council that was supposed to go for the organization’s rent.
#3 She used the money for lingerie
Pamela Harris paid for airline tickets, a cruise and bills from Victoria’s Secret with funds from the City. She is also accused of taking $23,000 in for-city funds intended for a children’s not-for-profit and put it directly into her checking account. The indictment further claims she also stole $25,000 in FEMA money for Sandy recovery and Build It Back money from the city.
#4 She is married
Harris, a lifelong resident of Coney Island is currently married to husband, Leon.
#5 She founded a non-profit
According to her bio, one of Pamela’s achievements includes founding the Coney Island Generation Gap, a non-profit organization aiming to educate and empower youth to get them off the streets and away from crime. It is the same organization she stole from.
#6 She is a former correction officer
Harris began her career originally as a correction officer, position she held for several years before she became an assemblywoman. She worked for the New York City Department of Correction as an officer on Riker’s Island.
#7 She became a community activist
After retiring from her job as a correction officer Pamela Harris became well-known locally for her work with local children.
#8 She helped people affected by Superstorm Sandy
She’s a vocal advocate for relief efforts and previously helped by personally delivering food, clothes and blankets to her displaced neighbors.
#9 She holds a Master’s degree
Pamela studied at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she obtained an Associate’s degree in General Studies. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human services from St. Joseph’s College, as well as a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Capella University.
#10 She could be locked up for a long time
Pamela was arrested Tuesday morning and was expected to make a federal court appearance for arraignment later in the day. If convicted, Pamela faces up to 20 years in prison.
