NEW YORK — Fil-Am Angela Aquino, a former candidate for New York City Public Advocate, pleaded guilty this week to federal wire fraud charges for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the city’s campaign finance system during her 2025 run for office. Federal prosecutors say Aquino attempted to illicitly obtain $1 million in public matching funds through falsified contributions and fraudulent documentation submitted to the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB).
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the plea, describing Aquino’s conduct as a deliberate attempt to exploit one of the nation’s most closely monitored municipal campaign finance programs. According to prosecutors, Aquino and individuals working with her submitted falsified donor information and fabricated contribution records to trigger the city’s generous 8‑to‑1 matching-funds formula.
“Brazen Efforts Threaten the Integrity of Our Local Democratic Processes”
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella underscored the seriousness of the offense and its impact on public trust. “The defendant, a former candidate for city office, admitted today that she attempted to defraud New York City of $1 million in public funds,” Nocella stated. “Her brazen efforts threaten the integrity of our local democratic processes.”
Federal prosecutors said Aquino’s scheme involved submitting claims for hundreds of small‑dollar donations that either did not exist or were misrepresented. The CFB flagged irregularities during routine review, prompting further investigation and ultimately referral to federal authorities.
How the Scheme Worked
According to the DOJ, Aquino’s campaign falsely reported qualifying contributions from individuals who either never donated or had their contributions altered to meet matching‑fund thresholds. The fraudulent filings were designed to unlock substantial public financing that would have significantly expanded her campaign’s resources.
Wire fraud charges stem from the electronic submission of these falsified records to city systems and the use of interstate communications to advance the scheme. Prosecutors emphasized that the city’s matching funds program relies heavily on accurate reporting and verification, making fraudulent submissions a direct threat to the program’s integrity.
Campaign Finance Safeguards Triggered the Investigation
The New York City Campaign Finance Program, considered one of the strongest in the country, requires extensive documentation for every contribution. Officials said the system’s safeguards worked as intended: discrepancies in Aquino’s filings prompted additional scrutiny, leading to the discovery of fabricated donor information and ultimately to the federal probe.
CFB officials did not comment on the ongoing case but reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring fair competition in city elections.
Potential Penalties and Next Steps
Aquino now faces sentencing in federal court, where wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, though actual sentences vary based on sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges or co‑conspirators are under investigation.
The DOJ said Aquino’s guilty plea demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding public financing systems and deterring fraud in local elections. The case also highlights the vulnerabilities that can arise when candidates attempt to exploit public funding mechanisms.
A Warning to Future Candidates
Federal officials said the case should serve as a warning to campaigns participating in New York City’s matching funds program. The DOJ emphasized that attempts to manipulate the system will be met with aggressive enforcement.
Aquino’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. The DOJ said further details will be released as proceedings continue.
