Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann pleaded guilty Friday to two ethics violations involvingimproper payments to staff from campaign and office transition funds.
Dann entered his pleas while maintaining his innocence but also saying he took fullresponsibility for his mistakes.
Dann will not serve any time in jail but will have to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 500 hours ofcommunity service, 10 Investigates' Paul Aker reported.
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He is the first former top cop in recent Ohio memory to face criminal charges for breaking thelaw.
Earlier this week, 10 Investigates reported that Dann had been in discussions with prosecutorsabout the possibility of entering either a guilty or an Alford plea, which is an acknowledgment ofevidence sufficient to convict him to criminal charges stemming from the use of politicalfunds.
10 Investigates first exposed a series of suspicious payments from Dann's political accounts in2008. Among other issues, 10 Investigates discovered Dann's campaign fund paid the rent for aDublin condominium.
Dann resigned his office amid the height of scandal on May 14, 2008.
After court on Friday, Dann said he always thought things were done legally, but said heaccepted responsibility.
"I do believe there was sufficient evidence to convict me, and quite frankly I was ready to moveon and put this very sad episode for me and my family behind us," Dann said. "And so I can move onwith my legal career and my children can move on without further embarrassment. Not just for me,but for the state."
Dann now plans to self-report his conviction to the professional standards body in charge ofattorney discipline.
He said he thinks he can make a case to that body that will allow him to keep his law license,Aker reported.
Prosecutors said the punishment is about as severe as it gets under the circumstances.
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Previous Stories:
May 6, 2010: Ex-Attorney General Dann To Face Criminal Charges
March 4, 2010: 2 Aides To Marc Dann Plead Guilty
March 2, 2010: Ethics Charges Filed Against 2 In Marc Dann Case
November 18, 2009: Ex-Dann Aide Gutierrez Learns Sentence
August 24, 2009: Ex-Dann Aide Pleads Guilty To Criminal Charges
June 11, 2009: Ex-AG Dann Reaches Settlement With State
May 14, 2009: Ex-Dann Aide To Face 10 Charges
March 31, 2009: Woman In AG Scandal Joins Lecture Circuit
March 19, 2009: Commission: Ex-AG Dann Violated Election Law
