Ex-Ohio lawmaker who pleaded guilty to bribery seeks early release from 3-year prison term

6/14/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — A former Ohio lawmaker who authorities say took trips and cash in exchange for taking steps to introduce legislation has asked for early release from a three-year prison term.

W. Carlton Weddington, a Columbus Democrat, pleaded guilty two years ago to charges of bribery, election falsification and filing a false financial disclosure statement.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the 44-year-old Weddington asked in a filing Friday in Franklin County court to be freed after serving two years.

Judge Mark Serrott said at sentencing he would consider Weddington’s request if he behaved behind bars.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien also agreed at sentencing to take no position on Weddington’s request to be released early from Allen Correctional Institution in Lima.