YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Former State Representative Ron Gerberry says he didn't know what he was doing was wrong.  But after pleading guilty on Friday to one count of unlawful compensation of a public official, the 62-year-old Austintown resident admitted to 21 News that ignorance is no excuse.

"I was not aware that this transaction was not proper.  I did not realize that at the time.  But ignorance of the law is no excuse.  And I want everyone to know that I accept full responsibility for my actions.  But I want to make it very clear, because it hasn't been made very clear in the print media that I took no money," Gerberry said.

After serving 27 years in the state legislature, Gerberry has resigned from the House of Representatives after investigators say he violated campaign finance rules by overpaying political consulting firms to make it look like he spent money, and then had much of the money returned to his campaign as a refund.

"I am truly remorseful and I'm sorry and I apologize to the people of Mahoning County," Gerberry said.

Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains tells 21 News, "It's a tragedy and I'm disappointed.  But Mr. Gerberry has done the right thing from day one on this.  He's cooperated fully.  He's accepted responsibility and he's continuing to cooperate so I think that's in his favor.  I'm just hoping other public officials learn a lesson from this that you can't play fast and loose with campaign finance laws."

Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen Sweeney on Friday sentenced Gerberry to 180 days in jail, but suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for three years.  But did order him to perform 500 hours of community service.

As part of his plea agreement, Gerberry will not run for political office for seven years.  Gerberry has also agreed to cooperate with federal and state authorities, including those handling the Oak Hill criminal corruption investigation.

The former state representative says he will also use $46,000 that remains in his campaign fund to donate to six local charities.

A panel of Democratic party leaders will choose someone to fill the rest of Gerberry's term, which does not expire until December 16, 2016.