City Councilman Miguel Martinez pled guilty Thursday in federal court to charges of money laundering and mail fraud involving the misuse of taxpayers dollars through a council slush fund.

The Upper Manhattan lawmaker admitted to skimming about $100,000 in public money from non-profit organizations and low-income housing.

During the hearing, he admitted he signed phony invoices as part of the fraud, which lasted from 2000-2008.

“I received the money as a direct result of the conspiracy,” Martinez said. “I engaged in this scheme as a New York City Council member.”

Martinez resigned from the council on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old faces 57 to 71 months in prison when he is sentenced in October. He is free on $250,000 bond, but surrendered his passport.

Martinez charges of misappropriating money are the first resulting from a year-long probe into the council slush fund.

Several candidates have stepped forward in the hopes of filling his vacated seat, which he was elected to in 2001. Among those vying for the position are Guillermo Linares, who has stepped down as the mayor’s commissioner of immigrant affairs, and Ydanis Rodriguez, who joined the race with the backing of Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat.

“I think that he represents new leadership that brings forward transparency and honesty,” said Espaillat. “And, during these difficult days in northern Manhattan, we need that kind of about leadership, a fresh new face with fresh ideas.”

“Now that I have been endorsed by Assemblyman Espaillat and the Democratic for Change club of which he is a leader, I have a responsibility to be ready to be elected on September 10th, and to represent our community with honesty, dignity and transparency,” said the candidate.

The mayor says there will be no special election to fill the seat because it’s too close to the September primaries.

(Source: NY1)