Charity head says she gave congresswoman’s staff bank access

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The head of a charity for poor children that federal prosecutors say former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown used as a slush fund says she gave the congresswoman’s chief of staff unfettered access to the organization’s bank accounts.

Carla Wiley has pleaded guilty to fraud for using the charity’s money for personal expenses. She testified Monday at Brown’s federal fraud trial in Jacksonville. Brown has pleaded not guilty.

Wiley testified that the charity had problems fundraising until she started dating Brown’s chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons, and gave him the organization’s debit card and checkbook.

Federal prosecutors say One Door raised more than $800,000, much of which was used by Brown for lavish trips and events. Meanwhile, One Door gave out only $1,200 in scholarships.