Democratic state lawmaker pleads guilty in Dallas bribery case, agrees to resign

Lawmaker pleads guilty in Dallas bribery case

DALLAS — A Texas lawmaker has pleaded guilty to participating in a bribery scheme and will resign.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas announced Wednesday that State Rep. Terri Hodge pleaded guilty to fraud and false statements on an income tax return.

Hodge faces up to three years in prison, a $100,000 fine and restitution to the IRS. A sentencing date has not been set.

The Dallas Democrat has agreed never again to hold public office. She has been a state representative since 1996 and had been seeking re-election.

According to court documents, Hodge received more than $32,000 in rental subsidies, utilities and carpeting from an apartment developer who built complexes in her district. She never declared the funds as income on tax returns.

Hodge’s attorneys did not immediately return messages seeking comment.