Treasurer admits ethics violation

Associated Press

XENIA, Ohio

The treasurer of a western Ohio county has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges accusing him of running his private law practice out of the public office.

James Schmidt pleaded guilty Tuesday in a Greene County court to unlawful interest in a public contract, ethics conflict of interest, improper compensation and unauthorized use of property.

He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, which he will not serve unless he violates terms of a three-year probation. He was ordered to complete 200 hours community service and paid total restitution of $35,000 to the county and state Ethics Commission.

Schmidt served as treasurer for 27 years, resigning Monday. The charges alleged violations from 2005 to 2008.

His lawyer, Bill Meeks, says Schmidt exercised poor judgment and recognized he had made mistakes.