Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s former campaign treasurer admitted embezzling more than $200k, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Frederick Murphy, 56, pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark Tuesday to wire fraud, bank fraud and tax evasion.

Murphy admitted in court that he cashed checks from the campaigns for fictitious services, claiming on public campaign reports that the expenses were legitimate. He pocketed $233,743 and didn’t report this income on his taxes.

Leany Pichardo – Campaign Spokesperson; Team Baraka for Newark, issued the following statement:

“Mr. Murphy committed fraud against the Baraka campaign. He betrayed the confidence of those who trusted him to perform his duties honestly and stole from the campaign. When Murphy’s  misconduct was discovered months ago, he was fired from the campaign and an accounting firm was retained to ascertain the extent of the theft. Mr. Murphy’s misconduct was in no way connected to any work he performed for the City of Newark. The victim is the Baraka campaign and all those who placed their trust in Mr. Murphy.”

To read the entire report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, please go here.