Council pleads guilty to state charges In September 2012, Council pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges stemming from campaign finance reports that prosecutors said did not reveal her use of over $60,000 in donations at out-of-state casinos. She was ordered to pay a $500 fine with court costs. Council continued what was ultimately an unsuccessful re-election bid, saying she was being treated for gambling addiction. Council pleads guilty to federal charges In October 2012, Council's election opponent, Ernie Chambers, filed a federal complaint of wire and mail fraud against her, alleging that she violated federal law in using campaign funds for gambling, as well as in filing false campaign reports. He called Council an "embarrassment to the community," and said, "I can say truthfully I am not a crook." Council responded by saying the issue had been settled, and that discussion of issues in the senate race was being neglected. Council accepted an agreement in September 2013, entering a guilty plea to federal wire fraud, a felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Council was sentenced to three years probation on December 5, 2013. In addition, she was ordered to pay a $500 fine. Council also faced the loss of her law license, as the Counsel for Discipline filed disciplinary charges with the Nebraska Supreme Court prior to the plea agreement, alleging that she committed professional misconduct and, per the state convictions, violated the state ethics code. On September 23, 2013, Council agreed to have her law license temporarily suspended by the Nebraska State Bar Association pending a disciplinary hearing. Sentencing On December 5, 2013, Council was sentenced to three years' probation in addition to a $500 fine. At the time of her sentencing, the Nebraska Supreme Court had yet to decide on a disciplinary action regarding Council's law license. Court-appointed referee Thomas Thomsen issued a report in late December 2013, recommending that Council's license be suspended for one year with a subsequent two years of probation. A final decision was not due until later in 2014. On September 12, 2014, the Nebraska Supreme Court disbarred Council from practicing law. The court said that she did not receive a lesser punishment because it would have failed to reinforce the high standards that lawyers and elected officials are held to. Council can seek reinstatement as a lawyer in five years, but the court rarely grants reinstatement.