Prosecutor says ex-Ohio lawmaker defrauded investors

CINCINNATI (AP) - A prosecutor says a former Ohio lawmaker defrauded investors in a technology company out of millions of dollars, while the defense accuses the state and others of using him as a scapegoat.

Opening statements began today in Cincinnati in the trial of former state Rep. Pete Beck in Cincinnati. The 62-year-old certified public accountant from Mason waived his right to a jury trial, so a Hamilton County judge is hearing it.

Beck pleaded not guilty to more than 60 charges including felony theft and securities fraud.

Daniel Kasaris, a state assistant attorney general, says Beck was the CFO of Christopher Technologies and misrepresented the financial status of the company to investors.

Beck's attorney says the company was mismanaged, and former officials and embarrassed investors are trying to make Beck the scapegoat.