Judge postpones sentencing for former state assemblywoman

A judge postponed the sentencing of a former New York state assemblywoman who pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges until next week Friday.
Former Assemblywoman Pamela Harris, who served in Coney Island, was accused of using Superstorm Sandy relief funds to renovate her home, which was not damaged by the storm.
Harris pleaded guilty to wire fraud, disaster relief fraud and witness tampering.
She was originally set to be sentenced Friday, but the judge chose to defer his decision by a few days, saying he needed more time to consider the options of prison or community service.
Harris apologized for her actions when she addressed the court and asked for a chance to make things right.
Prosecutors say Harris was a "clever fraudster" and that she forged signatures and submitted fake receipts in order to pocket grant money for underprivileged children and those displaced by Superstorm Sandy.
Harris' lawyers say they were surprised by the deferral but are still confident she will get a more lenient sentence.
She is due back in court for her sentencing next Wednesday and could face up to 30 years in prison.