A woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges that she helped arrange sexual encounters between former Waterbury Mayor Philip Giordano and her daughter and niece.

As part of a plea agreement, the 31-year-old convicted prostitute admitted to four counts in a 12-count indictment that accused her of conspiring with Giordano to entice the girls, ages 9 and 11, into having sex. Prosecutors said Giordano paid the woman.

The Associated Press is not identifying the woman because of her relationship to the sexual assault victims.

The woman signed an agreement to cooperate in the federal case against Giordano, who is awaiting trial on federal civil rights charges, one count of conspiracy and 11 counts of using a telephone to entice or solicit the children for sex.

Giordano, who was mayor when he was arrested, faces life in prison if convicted. He also faces state charges of sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.

–Associated Press