COLUMBUS -- An ex-Ohio state lawmaker has pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, election falsification and filing a false financial disclosure statement.
W. Carlton Weddington entered the plea Monday at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Weddington, a Columbus Democrat, was then sentenced to three years in prison. Weddington resigned his Ohio House seat and surrendered to authorities in March.
Authorities say he accepted all-expenses-paid trips to South Beach, Miami, and California's Napa Valley from a fake business entity set up by the FBI.
The entity sought to exchange trips, cash and campaign contributions for legislation that Weddington would introduce. Weddington has agreed to cooperate with authorities and testify against others involved.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says he expects additional charges to be filed against other people later this summer.
The Associated Press