WCU Graduate Charged in Political-Corruption Probe

State Rep. J.P. Miranda and his sister face criminal charges following an investigation into allegations that the legislator created a "ghost employee" in his North Philadelphia district office,Philly.com reports. 

J.P. Miranda represents the 197th District, which encompasses part of Philadelphia County. He was elected in November 2012. 

Miranda and his sister, Michelle Wilson, are charged with one count each of conflict of interest, perjury and criminal conspiracy. They are expected to turn themselves in within the next few days, according to Philly.com. 

Fox 29 reported in May that the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office was investigating its report on allegations of a "ghost employee" in Miranda's legislative office.  

The office of District Attorney Seth Williams presented the allegations to a grand jury after the Fox story aired. 

The investigation found Miranda created the no-show position for Timothy Duckett, a former campaign worker and part-time driver, to funnel money to Wilson, Philly.com reports. 

Miranda had previously tried to hire Wilson as chief of staff for his legislative office, but his request was denied by the House Democratic Caucus, which said the hiring would violate anti-nepotism rules. Miranda then hired Duckett and told him he didn't have to show up if he funneled money to Wilson, the grand jury found, according to Philly.com. 

Miranda is a graduate of West Chester University. He previously served as community liaison for Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke, as well as a spokesman and community liaison on economic issues for state Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen, according to his legislative biography.