Mike Easley, the former governor of North Carolina, entered a felony plea to violating campaign finance laws.
Easley entered an Alford plea, which means that he does not admit guilt, but that he acknowledges enough evidence has been gathered to convict him of a crime.
The allegations over the campaign finances are specifically focused on a helicopter flight valued at $1,600.
Prosecutor Williams Kenerly said in court, Campaign money was not used inappropriately. However it was reported incorrectly.
At the time of the flight, The News & Observer reports, Easleys campaign did not disclose it as required on campaign disclosure forms, making it either an in-kind campaign contribution or an unreported campaign expense.
The 60-year-old will not serve time, but will have to pay a $1,000 fine. While the case was publicized, the former governor consistently denied any wrongdoing.
