Ohio man pleads guilty to recommending 17-year-old hooker on Web site

COLUMBUS (AP) — A suburban Columbus man has pleaded guilty to two counts of compelling prostitution after investigators say he recommended a 17-year-old prostitute on a Web site.

Police say Robert McFadden, 46, of Dublin also used the Internet last September and October to recommend or warn against certain prostitutes and to offer suggestions on how to avoid arrest.

He entered his pleas today in Franklin County Common Pleas Court and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced Aug. 20.

McFadden formerly served as director of the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives office under Gov. Ted Strickland. He was transferred to the state prisons department in 2007 and laid off in March 2008 due to budget cuts.

Defense attorney Keith Golden notes that McFadden is not accused of having sex with the girl.