A top aide to Bronx state Sen. Ruben Diaz pleaded guilty yesterday to embezzling more than a half-million dollars from two charitable groups founded by Diaz, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced.
Clement Gardner admitted he stole $560,000 while serving as fiscal officer for Diaz’s Christian Community Benevolent Association and Christian Community in Action.
The prosecution followed a probe by the city Department of Investigation.
Gardner, who for 25 years worked with the groups founded by Diaz, faces two to six years in prison.
Diaz, who is not suspected of wrongdoing, said he had no idea that Gardner was ripping off the charities.