State House Democrat charged with theft, is resigning seat

HARRISBURG, PA. >> A Democratic state representative from just outside Philadelphia issued a statement saying she’s resigning after being charged Thursday with theft and other offenses over her expense reimbursements.

Delaware County state Rep. Margo Davidson, 58, was released on her own recognizance after appearing in a Harrisburg district court courtroom.

“Today, I sadly announce my resignation and take legal responsibility for improper record keeping and reimbursement of expenses,” she said in a written statement. Davidson said she is paying $6,900 in restitution.

“I further take responsibility for and regret not fully participating with the investigation,” said the statement released through her attorney, Geoffrey Johnson.

The attorney general’s office accused Davidson of filing fraudulent expense claims with the House of Representatives and hindering a state prosecution by asking an unnamed witness to lie to investigators about trips to Virginia. Her arrest was first reported by Pennlive.com.

She’s accused of being reimbursed for hotels and other expenses both by her campaign and by the House over 2015-2019, and for putting in for reimbursement for hotel stays that never occurred.

The charging affidavit claims Davidson submitted 24 vouchers to the House to repay her for expenses such as parking, tolls and gas that had already been covered by her campaign money.