State Rep. Jim Merrill resigned from the Legislature last week, just prior to appearing in court.

He has been suspended from office since December, when he was indicted on two counts of misconduct in office and 28 counts of violating state ethics laws. While many of the charges are misdemeanors, he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Merrill is the second legislator to resign amid recent corruption charges. Former state House Speaker Bobby Harrell plead guilty in October 2014 to ethics-related charges and resigned.

Similar charges are currently pending against Rep. Rick Quinn and Sen. John Courson. Both remain suspended while awaiting trial.