Former Ohio state rep pleads not guilty

CINCINNATI (AP) — A former state legislator and southwest Ohio county commissioner has pleaded not guilty to fraud and tax-related charges.

A lawyer entered the plea today for Michael A. Fox before a federal magistrate in Cincinnati.

Prosecutors say Fox solicited and took money from individuals and businesses that were Butler County contractors while he was a commissioner. Dublin attorney Robert Schuler also pleaded not guilty.

Both men face charges that include mail fraud and filing a false income tax return.

Fox and Schuler remain free on their own recognizance. No trial date has been set.