You may recall the uproar that occurred back in April when a freshman legislator from central Pennsylvania gave the over-the-top Christian prayer to open the day’s House legislative session in Harrisburg that just happened to be on the same day that the first female Muslim legislator was being sworn in.

Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, D-Philadelphia, criticized her colleague, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-Clinton and Centre, for politicizing the prayer, which applauded President Trump’s support of Israel.

Now, just eight months later, Johnson-Harrell resigned from the House after being charged with embezzlement of more than $500,000 from her own Philadelphia area nonprofit organization.

In announcing the charges, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Johnson-Harrell spent the money on family vacations, designer clothing, furs, personal bills and also used some of it to seek her legislative seat. Shapiro said Johnson-Harrell had engaged in “brazen corruption,” then systematically tried to cover up her crimes by falsifying records. Shapiro said Johnson-Harrell will plead guilty and faces jail time.

Shapiro’s office said Johnson-Harrell used Motivations Education & Consultation Associates — a nonprofit she established more than 10 years ago to assist those struggling with mental illness, addiction and homelessness — as her own piggy bank.

One of Johnson-Harrell’s most vocal supporters that day in April was Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, who condemned Borowicz’s words as being highly political and out of place for the occasion.

Schlossberg now is critical of Johnson-Harrell for betraying the public’s trust. “What my outgoing colleague did — by her own admission, since it seems she is pleading guilty — was the lowest of the low. To take money from a charity, which was supposed to take care of vulnerable people and use that to enrich herself, it’s as bad as it gets. This one was just so ugly.”

Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-Schuylkill and Carbon, expressed disappointment in the charges against Johnson-Harrell. “All elected officials should be accountable to those we represent, and public corruption cannot be tolerated,” Knowles said. “If you perform your job in an honest and transparent manner, you have nothing to worry about. Rep. Johnson-Harrell did not and now must face the consequences of her actions,” he added.

Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, was similarly distressed to hear that Johnson-Harrell had taken money from the disadvantaged for her own use. Saying he supports her decision to resign, Heffley said these wrongdoings blemish the reputation of the legislature. Most legislators try to do their best, and “we owe it to residents to do the right thing,” Heffley said.

In a statement through her attorney, Johnson-Harrell said, “I am saddened and dismayed by the nature of the allegations brought against me. I vigorously dispute many of these allegations, which generally pertain to before I took office, and I intend to accept responsibility for any actions that were inappropriate.”

Johnson-Harrell’s top priority was reducing gun violence. Her father, brother and 18-year-old son were killed by gunmen. While Shapiro said he is aware of her passion for this topic, he also said it does not change the narrative that she defrauded the public.

Scranton-born House Democratic leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County called the charges against Johnson-Harrell “beyond disturbing. “ While acknowledging her commitment to ending gun violence as “heartfelt and sincere,” Dermody also said, “Those elected to serve have to follow the law before they can make the law.”

You can’t make this stuff up: Johnson-Harrell was elected in a special election in March to fill the seat vacated by Vanessa Lowery Brown, another West Philadelphia Democrat who was convicted of bribery. She resigned last December.

Another special election must again be held. The Philadelphia Democratic Republican committees have until Jan. 12 to nominate candidates. “We’re going to really scrutinize this one,” said Democratic Party Chair Bob Brady, who indicated that at least seven people have expressed interest in the job. Winning the Democratic nomination can pretty much seal the deal, since 87% of registered voters in the district are Democrats.

Johnson-Harrell was the 69th elected or appointed public official in Pennsylvania to be charged with and/or convicted of crimes during the past 40 years.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com