Former NC Gov Mike Easley (D) Enters Felony Plea Agreement

Mug shot of former NC Governor Mike Easley (D)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley has entered a plea agreement over a false campaign finance report, consenting to a $1,000 fine after state and federal prosecutors spent more than a year combing through his life.

Easley entered an Alford plea in Wake County court, which means he acknowledged the state's evidence could result in a conviction without having to admit any guilt. Prosecutors say the plea also ends a federal probe that started in February 2009, a month after he left office.

Superior Court Judge Osmond Smith still must agree to the plea deal.

The agreement stems from the investigation by Rowan County District Attorney Bill Kenerly, who was brought in to examine the case after the State Board of Elections fined Easley's campaign $100,000.