South Carolina Pol Resigns Over Misconduct

A little funny business with campaign cash

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell pleaded guilty Thursday to misconduct in office charges and agreed to immediately resign, ending his run as one of the state's most powerful politicians.

Harrell pleaded guilty to six counts of misconduct during a hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center. As part of the plea agreement, he was sentenced to six years in prison, which was suspended, and instead given three years of probation with a $30,000 fine.

He must reimburse the state $93,958, the amount the state says he took from a campaign account for personal use.