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Dressed in a black one-piece and white, sheer cape, Peterkin-Bell addressed the media outside the Criminal Justice Center.
"It was easier to target a black working mother, who no longer worked for the city and had spent countless hours being committed to this city," she said, claiming the state Attorney General's Office only had its focus on her, rather than powerful leaders who are being bribed and participating in pay-to-play schemes.
She declined to say who she was referring to.
"I was not lining my own pockets," she countered. "I was working to accomplish the objectives of the city, and the objectives of the mayor and his cabinet."
Peterkin-Bell noted she takes full responsibility for her actions.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to pay back the money," the 41-year-old said. "God is good."
"Other people who did the exact same thing were given the opportunity by the Attorney General’s Office not to be charged but only to pay back the money and deal with the Ethics Office," added her attorney, Michael Sterling. He didn't specify who the "other people" were.
Peterkin-Bell was a representative under former Mayor Michael Nutter. State authorities said she used the money to create a “lavish lifestyle” for herself, spending it on travel, shopping trips and meals.
Additionally, they said she also misspent more than $250,000, which was supposed to be dedicated to the city’s annual bike race.
She has also been ordered to pay back all of the money — $19,807 — to the city.