Pennsylvania ex-treasurer sentenced for lying about payments

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A woman who was elected four times to statewide office in Pennsylvania has been sentenced to three years on probation for lying to the FBI about accepting $675,000 from an investment adviser who had reaped tens of millions in fees through Treasury Department business.

Barbara Hafer was a Republican when she was twice elected as Pennsylvania’s auditor general and then later two terms as its treasurer. She avoided jail time Tuesday but was fined $50,000 and ordered to perform 500 hours of community service.

She pleaded guilty in June to deceiving federal investigators about whether the adviser, Richard Ireland, had funneled the money to her to help her start a consulting firm after she’d left office.

The 74-year-old Hafer choked back tears while telling the judge she’s sorry, describing herself as ashamed and heartsick.