(AP) – A three-term state lawmaker has resigned from the Missouri House amid charges of stealing and campaign finance violations.

St. Louis County Democrat Steve Webb announced the resignation in a statement Monday as lawmakers opened a special session. Webb said he believes the criminal charges “will work themselves out,” but that he didn’t want his colleagues and constituents to be harmed by the distraction of his legal challenges.

Webb was charged in state court last month with one felony count of stealing by deceit. The charge alleges he solicited money on behalf of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus but transferred the money to himself.

He also faces seven misdemeanor charges of campaign finance violations, including mixing campaign contributions with personal funds.