By Associated Press - Tuesday, May 3, 2016

ABINGDON, Va. (AP) - The former mayor of a tiny town in southwest Virginia has pleaded guilty to using public funds to improve and repair her home.

Federal prosecutors say 50-year-old Peggy Sue Stanley Mickens of Clinchco pleaded guilty Tuesday to mail fraud, wire fraud theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Mickens was elected mayor of Clinchco, a town of fewer than 400 residents, in 2012. Prosecutors say she used money from a $20,000 community development block grant to remodel her home and charged $662 in personal items to the town’s Lowe’s credit card.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 22.

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