(KNZA)--A former northeast Kansas tribal employee has admitted to misusing federal grant money intended for a health program.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas says 41-year-old Matthew Waits of Topeka pleaded guilty to misapplication of federal grant funds.

Waits worked for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

Prosecutors say he used more than 5-thousand dollars in federal grant money to buy sports memorabilia—items not allowed under the grant.

Officials say the funding was meant to help combat diabetes.  Instead, authorities say the money was used to support Waits’ hobby business selling collectibles.

Waits is scheduled to be sentenced July 22nd.