KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A former Missouri county prosecutor and rising star in state Democratic politics has pleaded guilty to a federal corruption charge.

Mike Sanders, who also was a Jackson County Executive, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sanders’ longtime aide, Calvin Williford, pleaded guilty earlier Friday to the same charge.

The Department of Justice said Sanders and Williford directed political committees to issue checks to certain people who performed little or no campaign-related work. Instead, the people cashed the checks and returned part of the money to Sanders or Williford. The men used the cash for personal expenses, including trips to Las Vegas.

After serving as Jackson County prosecutor, Sanders was elected three times to be Jackson County Executive before resigning unexpectedly in December 2015.