Angela Aquino, a candidate for New York City Public Advocate in 2025, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud on August 20, 2026. Her actions involved attempts to mislead the city's campaign finance system to gain access to public matching funds.
Guilty Plea: Aquino, 47, admitted to attempting to fraudulently obtain $1 million in public funds from New York City's campaign finance system.
Legal Consequences: She faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years when sentenced.
Details of the Fraud:
Aquino manipulated her campaign finances to appear eligible for matching funds.
Candidates need to raise at least $125,000 from 500 contributors, with each contribution capped at $100 to qualify for public matching funds.
The funds raised were falsely reported as coming from New York City residents, even though a significant portion were actually from Aquino's personal bank account, which included $130,000 originating from the Philippines.
She used these funds for personal expenses, including apartment rent, while falsely labeling them as campaign-related costs.
Contribution cards submitted to the Campaign Finance Board (CFB) were falsified, and she cycled funds through various accounts to disguise their true source.
Official Statements:
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella expressed concern that Aquino's actions compromised the integrity of local democracy.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia Shihata highlighted the importance of integrity in public office, condemning Aquino's fraudulent behavior.
FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle stressed that taxpayer money theft will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Angela Aquino's guilty plea marks a serious violation of campaign finance laws designed to maintain integrity within New York City's electoral system. Her deceptive actions not only aimed to secure unjust public funding but also involved personal financial benefit misrepresented as campaigning efforts. This case serves as a warning to candidates about adhering to legal standards in financing their campaigns.
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