Nebraska senator pleads guilty to two misdemeanors

OMAHA, Neb. – Nebraska state Sen. Brenda Council has pleaded guilty to filing false campaign finance reports that prosecutors say concealed her misuse of more than $60,000 in campaign donations at casinos.

A judge sentenced Council on Tuesday to pay a $500 fine and court costs.

She has apologized for making an error in judgment, and plans to continue running for re-election in northeast Omaha.

She says she's getting treatment for a gambling addiction.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning says bank records and casino security videos show that Council withdrew a total of $63,052 at casinos on several occasions and then deposited $36,166 in cash back into the campaign fund. Council has agreed to repay the $27,000 shortfall.

Council is running against Ernie Chambers, who was the longest-serving member of the Nebraska Legislature.