Woman admits she stole from economic development authority

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A former financial manager for a Pennsylvania-based economic development organization has admitted she embezzled more than $82,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott Brady says 46-year-old Nicolette Gizzi pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud Friday at court in Pittsburgh. Prosecutors say Gizzi embezzled $82,061 from the Swissvale-based Steel Valley Authority.

Investigators say the funds taken were primarily public funds. The authority obtains its operating funds via grants from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Gizzi had a prior federal court conviction in South Carolina for embezzling from an employer, which prosecutors say she concealed from the Steel Valley Authority. She is scheduled to be sentenced in March and faces up to 50 years in prison.