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Ex-Maryland Del. Tawanna Gaines Pleads Guilty To Using Campaign Funds For Personal Benefit

GREENBELT, Md. (WJZ) -- Former Maryland State Delegate Tawanna Gaines pleaded guilty Thursday morning to a wire fraud charge, the Justice Department said.

Gaines, 67, a Democrat from Prince George's County, resigned earlier this month. She was charged with spending more than $22,000 from her campaign on personal expenses, including hair styling, dental work, a pool cover at her home and an Amazon Prime membership, officials said.

According to her plea agreement, Gaines reportedly admitted the fraud began in January 2015 and ran through April 2018.

She could face up to 20 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 3.

She will also have to pay $22,565.03 in restitution.

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