Former Campaign Manager Pleads Guilty to Stealing Funds From Congressman Shays

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Federal prosecutors say a campaign manager who pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $250,000 in campaign funds from former Connecticut Congressman Chris Shays used the money to buy his fiancee an engagement ring and for other personal expenses.

Michael Sohn of Fairfield is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday in New Haven for tax evasion and illegally converting campaign contributions to his own personal accounts.

Sohn said in court papers last week he had a serious cocaine and marijuana problem at the time of the thefts, but has been drug free since his arrest and is in drug treatment.

Authorities say Sohn spent $13,000 on the ring and used campaign funds for car repairs, theater tickets, a hotel, bed, limo, professional baseball game and other items.