COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Latest on the corruption trial of South Carolina state Sen. John Courson (all times local):
11:25 a.m.
South Carolina state Sen. John Courson has pleaded guilty to misconduct in office and resigned his seat.
Courson’s plea Monday morning came as his trial was about to begin on charges of misconduct in office and converting campaign money for his personal use.
He also agreed to cooperate in the investigation of corruption at the Statehouse that has resulted in guilty pleas and resignations from three other Republican lawmakers.
He had denied the charges since being indicted and suspended from office last year, his attorney Rose Mary Parham calling the case “a witch hunt.”
Courson faces up to 10 years in prison. Circuit Judge Carmen Mullen has delayed his sentencing.
The 73-year-old lawmaker had been in the Senate since 1984.
Two other former GOP lawmakers also face charges.
___
9:15 a.m.
A suspended South Carolina state senator is set to go on trial on misconduct charges.
Trial is scheduled in Columbia on Monday for Sen. John Courson, who is also charged with converting campaign money to his personal use and criminal conspiracy.
The 73-year-old Courson has been in the Senate since 1984. The Republican was suspended last year following his indictment as part of an investigation of corruption at the Statehouse. Three state legislators, all Republicans, have pleaded guilty and resigned. Two other former GOP legislators also face charges.
Courson has denied the charges. His attorney, Rose Mary Parham, has called the case “a witch hunt.”
Prosecutors accuse Courson of being paid $133,000 from campaign consultants he had paid $248,000. Prosecutors have not said what Courson did with the money.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.