PIERRE - Attorney General Larry Long says the case of a former state Transportation Department official who pleaded guilty to bribery sends a message that misconduct by public officials won't be tolerated.

Last week, Clayton Sonnenschein pleaded guilty to two counts of bribery. He was accused of taking bribes from a Rapid City real estate agent in exchange for ensuring the DOT bought land from the agent's clients.

Long, whose office is prosecuting the case, says most state government employees do their job legally and well. But he says those who break the law must be held accountable.