A former chief of staff for a New York State assemblyman has admitted to stealing more than $80,000 from the lawmaker's campaign account.

Prosecutors say 29-year-old Maruf Alam, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to wire fraud for filing false reports to the New York State Board of Elections to conceal the years-long theft from Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz.

Authorities previously have said Alam diverted $80,000 over six years from campaign funds into his personal accounts. According to a criminal complaint, Alam diverted the money from campaign committee accounts set up to support Ortiz.

Prosecutors say Alam was employed by the assemblyman since 2008. They say he also acted as treasurer for the assemblyman's campaign account and was responsible for filing periodic disclosure reports.

While prosecutors did not identify the assemblyman, it was previously reported that Alam worked for Ortiz for years.

Alam faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced. A lawyer for Alam could not be reached.