South Carolina Gov Mark Sanford to pay $74k in ethics fines

Under a consent agreement, Gov. Mark Sanford didn't admit guilt but didn't contest the charges either.

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has agreed to pay $74,000 to settle charges that his travel and campaign spending violated state ethics laws.

The Republican governor is accused of breaking 37 laws, including improperly using pricey plane tickets for a trip to Argentina where he saw the mistress he infamously called his soul mate.

Under a consent agreement signed Thursday, Sanford doesn't admit guilt but does not contest the charges either.

The charges were brought after Associated Press investigations into the governor's commercial travel and flights on state planes. Sanford also is accused of improperly reimbursing himself with campaign money.

The State Ethics Commission approved the agreement Thursday.

Sanford is term-limited and will leave office in January.