Topeka ? James H. Tate pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $100,000 while serving as the executive housing director with the Junction City Housing Authority, U.S. Atty. Eric Melgren announced.

Tate, 58, entered his plea Tuesday during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard Rogers. Tate admitted that between December 2002 and Nov. 6, 2004, he stole $102,701.23 from the housing authority, which receives federal funds.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 13, 2006. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Tate said he started working for the housing authority in 1990 as a handyman and was promoted to executive director in January 1992.

Prosecutors say that Tate diverted housing authority money for personal use, charging personal items on the housing authority’s credit card, including eye glasses, clothes, travel expenses, food, jewelry, candles and items he purchased for friends and family.

He also used the housing authority’s gas cards to buy gasoline for his personal use.