Former State Sen. Manny Aragon pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to conspiracy and mail fraud in the Metro Courthouse scandal, reports Journal investigative reporter Mike Gallagher.

The deal, in which Aragon admitted to one count of conspiracy and two counts of mail fraud, means he could face 67 months in Federal prison. No sentencing date has been set. The AP reports that he could have faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if he would have been tried and found guilty.

Documents filed indicate Aragon — one of New Mexico's most prominent and powerful  Democrats over the past two decades — pocketed some $623,000 in the construction scandal.

Two others involved with that case plead guilty on Tuesday. Read the story from this morning's Journal by Scott Sandlin here.

Engineer Paul Parra says he helped skim more than $4 million from the $84 million project. He says $650,000 went straight to Aragon.

The wife of former Court Administrator Toby Martinez also entered a guilty plea on Tuesday. Sandra Martinez pleaded guilty to knowing about the scam, but failing to report it.

Architect Marc Schiff and former Albuquerque Mayor Ken Schultz have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the scandal.