John Matthews, who accepted at least $125,000 bribes in an energy company scheme while serving as a Johnson County commissioner, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Matthews, 49, pleaded guilty to felony theft by a public servant, abuse of power and tampering with public records, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for September, Associated Press is reporting today.

District Judge John Neill in Cleburne ordered Matthews to repay $5,000 to Johnson County, just south of Fort Worth.

Matthews resigned in June of 2011 at the start of an investigation that led to his indictment on Dec. 15. He had been accused of being paid by an agent for Gulf Energy Co. for directing more than $300,000 in county taxpayer money to the company.

The indictment also charged Matthews with buying tools, swimming pool maintenance supplies and Christmas lights for his home for three years on a county credit card. Among the tools were four kits Matthews presented to his fellow commissioners as Christmas gifts.

The investigation into the bribery and thefts continues, Associated Press says.

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Contact Mark Lisheron at 512-299-2318 or mark@texaswatchdog.org or on Twitter at @marktxwatchdog.

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