COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State investigators Tuesday filed a criminal ethics charge against a former investment officer at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

James McLean was accused of filing a false annual disclosure statement with the Ohio Ethics Commission in 2004.

The commission accused McLean of accepting gifts and meals from a company seeking to do business with the state agency.

McLean became the 20th person charged in the long-running investigation of the BWC.

The same probe targeted a former friend of then-Gov. Bob Taft who oversaw a $50 investment in rare coins.

If convicted, McLean could face up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,000.

McLean is scheduled for arraignment in a Columbus courtroom on Friday.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com