(Image source from: The New York Times)

A former New York state assemblywoman pleaded guilty on Tuesday for paying Victoria's Secret bill other personal expenses with money meant for families displaced by Superstorm Sandy.

Pamela Harris, a former correction officer who was elected in November 2015, was charged in January following allegations that she pocketed $25,000 in federal funds by incorrectly claiming the storm chased her Coney Island home.

According to authorities, the Brooklyn Democrat committed other frauds, including cheating the New York City Council out of discretionary funds meant for nonprofits.

At her sentencing on September 26, she faces up nearly five years of imprisonment.

She was as well charged for spending stolen money on airline and cruise tickets for herself and her spouse, on whole nearly $10,000. She also made online payments to numerous retailers and paid her monthly mortgage.

Prosecutors say that Harris convinced others to lie after she comes to know of a grand jury probe.   

Harris represented communities of Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Coney Island, and Dyker Heights.

Prompting regular calls for tougher ethics rules in state government, more than 30 lawmakers have left office since 2000 over allegations of ethical wrongdoing or corruption.

The new restrictions and term limits on income from side jobs and campaign contributions have all been proposed and are likely to be debated over again this year, though the little interest has been shown by lawmakers in ambitious reforms.  

By Sowmya Sangam