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June 23, 2008
FORMER CHEROKEE COUNTY ATTORNEY PLEADS GUILTY TO EXTORTION CHARGES
Michael Goodrich Received Money and Favors from Sensations Gentlemen's Club
WICHITA, KAN. – Michael L. Goodrich, 48, Baxter Springs, Kan., pleaded guilty Monday to one count of extortion.
In his plea, Goodrich admitted that while he was Cherokee County Attorney he unlawfully extorted the owner and employees of Sensations Gentlemen’s Club in Galena, Kan. As a result, he received money and favorable treatment from the owner and employees.
“A public servant at any level who exploits his position for improper purposes undermines the people’s trust in their government,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren.
Goodrich accepted favorable treatment at the club and provided favorable treatment for employees by dismissing traffic tickets and other costs. The value of the money and favors Goodrich received from Jan. 21, 2005, through September 2007, is estimated to be less than $5,000.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 8, 2008. Extortion carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
In April, co-defendant Timothy J. Schooley pleaded guilty to one count of blackmail. He is scheduled for sentencing July 14, 2008.
Melgren commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.