COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Former state Senator Robert Ford must serve 5 years of probation on charges connected to an ethics case involving campaign funds.
The 66-year-old Charleston Democrat was also ordered Thursday to pay nearly $70,000 in restitution to South Carolina's general fund. He also must complete 350 hours of community service.
Ford was sentenced on charges of misconduct in office, forgery and two violations of the state ethics law.
Ford was indicted last year on misconduct in office, forgery of less than $10,000 and six Ethics Act violations. Those include two counts each of personal use of campaign funds, depositing campaign contributions into personal accounts and false reporting.
Prosecutors said he improperly benefited from public office, using campaign money for personal use, then filing false campaign reports and submitting forgeries to the Senate Ethics Committee.
Ford pleaded guilty in January.
