Milk, pierogies, socks, a stroller set and a DVD copy of "The Devil Wears Prada" were among the items the former Brentwood council president rang up on the borough's tab at Sam's Club.

The trial of Mary Dytko began yesterday as the receipts of her various shopping trips were read aloud in the courtroom of Senior Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge John K. Reilly.

In all, Ms. Dytko's personal purchases added up to more than $2,500. She reimbursed the borough about $1,800, but didn't pay back the remaining $723.76 until after she was arrested.

In addition, Ms. Dytko pleaded guilty Tuesday to making false statements on disclosure forms she filled out while running for office, hiding a felony conviction for credit card fraud and a $10,000 debt from a civil judgment against her. She also lied about having a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ms. Dytko resigned from the council following her arrest.

The trial, which will continue today as Ms. Dytko decides whether to take the stand in her own defense, focused on the use of the borough card.

The purchases were made in late 2006 and early 2007. Ms. Dytko was arrested and charged in June 2007 after borough Treasurer Dawn Lane told Mayor Kenneth Lockhart, who called the district attorney's office.

Ms. Lane said she repeatedly notified Ms. Dytko that the purchases should be repaid, but reimbursement was sporadic and late, when it came at all.

Defense attorney Stephen R. Greenberg, in cross-examining Ms. Lane, noted that there were no procedures in place for use of borough credit cards and other employees had made personal purchases that were later reimbursed -- including Ms. Lane herself, though she testified the charge was accidental.

He also questioned why Ms. Lane waited several months to report the charges to a superior.

"That's because she didn't do anything wrong, isn't it?" Mr. Greenberg asked.

"No, that is not why," Ms. Lane responded.

Ms. Lane said she did not notify council members, who technically were her bosses, because she thought Ms. Dytko held too much sway over them.

A parade of current and former Brentwood council members testified that they had no knowledge of the credit cards or Ms. Dytko's personal purchases. The approvals came from Ms. Lane, and the council signed off on itemized expenses that did not include individual receipts.

"How would you know what you were voting on?" Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Claus asked former council member Gary Hall.

"We didn't," Mr. Hall responded.

After Ms. Dytko's arrest -- and ensuing public outcry -- Brentwood audited its expenses and made a policy governing the use of the credit cards.

But whether there was a written policy or not, the prosecution is arguing that Ms. Dytko's use of the card was improper.

Councilwoman Dawn Synborski, who also had a borough Sam's Club card, testified that she never used it for personal items.

"The whole purpose of that card was for the items that were needed for the borough."