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Two Jamaican-born former New York City Council aides have pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly US$200,000 which was part of the City Council Discretionary Fund.
Federal prosecutors said the aides, Asquith Reid, 64, and Joycinth Anderson, 70, stole the money that was destined for three community groups, including the Donna Reid Memorial Education Fund, named after Reid's daughter who died of cancer.
Reid was the chief of staff to Councilman Dr. Kendall Stewart, while Anderson was a member of Dr. Stewart's staff.
In a letter to Judge Victor Marrero in the US District Court in Manhattan, prosecutors said both defendants have advised they intend to enter guilty pleas.
Prosecutors said Reid pleaded guilty without cutting a deal on the sentencing guidelines for his crimes, which carry a 40-year maximum term.
Reid, who is being treated for prostate cancer, said he wired some of the stolen money to Jamaica to friends and relatives who <span style="font-weight: bold">he believed </span>were in need.
Manhattan federal prosecutor Rua Kelly said a special hearing would determine the full extent of his corruption.
Meanwhile, Anderson admitted cashing cheques and turning over the money to Reid as part of the scheme.
She faces a maximum 14 months in prison under her non-binding deal with federal prosecutors.
The continuing federal investigation has focused attention on charges of widespread irregularities in the distribution of funds by Council members to community groups
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