A judge has denied early release from prison for a former Ohio lawmaker who authorities say took trips and cash in exchange for taking steps to introduce legislation.
Columbus Democrat W. Carlton Weddington pleaded guilty in 2012 to charges of bribery, election falsification and filing a false financial disclosure statement. Court records show a Franklin County Common Pleas judge on Monday denied the 44-year-old Weddington's request to be freed after serving two years of a three-year sentence. The judge says he would reconsider the motion, if one is filed later. The motion by the former Columbus School Board member said he has participated in community service activities and been a literacy tutor for other inmates. It also said Weddington has shown a commitment to changing his life.