NEW YORK (AP) - A New York City councilman has been convicted on charges he stole more than $30,000 in public campaign funds and state grant money meant for a charity.
A jury on Thursday found Ruben Wills guilty of scheme to defraud, grand larceny, and filing a false instrument.
Prosecutors say Wills used the money to buy clothes and fancy purses, including a $750 Louis Vuitton handbag.
Wills’ lawyer claimed he was simply reimbursing himself after paying for his nonprofit’s work out of his own pocket.
The Democrat from Queens was elected to the City Council in 2010. He faces up to seven years in prison at his Aug. 10 sentencing.
Wills also faces accusations that he failed to disclose financial dealings with the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board. That trial is pending.
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