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Former Wilmington Council President Indicted

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WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - The former council president in Delaware's largest city is accused by prosecutors of using his government position to secure a city grant for himself and a nonprofit he founded.

Authorities announced the indictment against 67-year-old Theopalis Gregory on Monday. He's charged with profiteering and official misconduct.

Investigators say Gregory revived Students Disabilities Advocates shortly before the 2016 election after it had been dormant for 18 years.

Gregory allegedly told new council president Hanifa Shabazz that $40,000 in grant funds were earmarked for SDA and arranged to use the Police Athletic League as a conduit for the funds.

One day after Gregory left office, PAL submitted a grant application, approved by Shabazz, requesting $40,000 for SDA.

Gregory admitted to Wilmington Ethics Commission officials last year that his actions violated city code.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.