Corrupt NJ Official Pleads Guilty

The former finance officer for a Burlington County town pleaded guilty Tuesday to diverting more than $300,000 into an account for her own use.

Kristine Wisnewski, 32, resigned from her job as municipal finance officer in Hainesport Township, N.J., in August.

Under her agreement to plead guilty to one count of official misconduct, Wisnewski will be barred from holding public employment.

She also faces up to 10 years in state prison, a $150,000 fine and an order to pay restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3.

Officials dropped a charge of theft by deception in exchange for the guilty plea.

Authorities said that between November 2000 and September 2001 Wisnewski moved at least $339,000 from other township accounts to one called the "Mayor's Fund," which she and others used for personal expenses.

The money she moved included funds for affordable housing, recreation and public facilities improvements.

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