When the theft and conspiracy trial of former state schools Superintendent Linda Schrenko begins in federal court this week, it will mark what could be the final chapter in the story of a history-making politician who went from rising star in the Republican Party to facing decades in a federal prison.

Schrenko is accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal education money - in part to pay for a failed campaign for governor and a facelift.

"It seems like every few years there's a state lawmaker who bites the dust," said University of Georgia political scientist Charles Bullock. "But in terms of a statewide officer, she may well be the first, or at least the first in a while."

In 1984, state Labor Commissioner Sam Caldwell was convicted of defrauding the state. He was sentenced to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Schrenko, 55, faces 22 counts of money laundering and 18 other counts ranging from conspiracy to fraud. She faces up to 20 years in prison on each count, although it is rare for judges to sentence defendants to the maximum in such cases.

Schrenko's lawyer, Augusta attorney Pete Theodocion, said his client is looking forward to answering the charges, which were first brought in 2004.

"Frankly, we're glad that it's finally going to trial," Theodocion said last week. "My client has lived with this for a long time and we look forward to our day in court."

Schrenko has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Stephan Botes, owner of an Alpharetta computer consulting company, also has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Merle Temple, Schrenko's one-time friend and former deputy superintendent and campaign manager, pleaded guilty last year. He is expected to testify for the prosecution.

Prosecutors say Schrenko funneled $614,000 in federal Department of Education money to companies set up by Botes - who provided no services. Some of those funds were intended for state schools for the deaf.

Instead, the government says about half of that money was steered to Schrenko's failed campaign for governor in 2002. Another $9,300 was used by Schrenko for cosmetic surgery, according to the indictment.

Schrenko made history in 1994 when she became the first woman elected to a statewide, nonjudicial post in Georgia. She also was among the first Republicans to be elected statewide in a state that had been dominated by Democrats since Reconstruction.

She feuded almost immediately with state school boards appointed by Democratic governors - first Zell Miller, then Roy Barnes - and grabbed headlines with efforts like a push for Bible study in public schools and off-the-cuff comments like calling the PTA "the most liberal organization" and saying no one should join it.

She also was criticized several times for her handling of money. She was fined $5,000 in 2003 for failing to account for campaign funds. The same year, an audit found the state Department of Education riddled with financial problems - including mishandling state contracts and federal grant money.

Schrenko was re-elected in 1998. But her bid to take on Barnes, her political nemesis, in the 2002 governor's race fell short, with her loss to Gov. Sonny Perdue in the Republican primary.

Criminal charges do not always spell political doom. Former state Senate Majority Leader Charles Walker of Augusta was re-elected in 2004 while facing federal corruption charges on which he would later be convicted.

In a court appearance last year, Schrenko told a judge she takes several prescription medications for a back injury she received in an auto accident years ago.

"She's not the healthiest person I know, but she's certainly capable of attending every day of trial and helping out with her defense," Theodocion said. "She's got all the strength she needs right now."

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