SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A former Arkansas state representative has pleaded guilty to his role in an embezzlement scheme involving a Springfield, Mo.-based charity.
Federal prosecutors say 51-year-old Eddie Wayne Cooper of Melbourne pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to embezzle more than $4 million from Preferred Family Healthcare.
Prosecutors say Cooper and several executives of the nonprofit charity used the embezzled money for political contributions, unreported lobbying and personal expenses.
Cooper, who was an Arkansas state lawmaker from 2006 to January 2011, received at least $387,501 from a lobbying firm and at least $63,000 in kickbacks from the conspiracy. He was ordered Monday to forfeit those gains.
Prosecutors say five additional people — including executives of the charity — are considered co-conspirators but have not been charged in the fraud scheme.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.