Former North Carolina state Sen. Hugh Webster turned himself into authorities Monday to face charges that accuse him of taking $12,000 from his elderly aunt.

Webster, who says he's innocent, turned himself in to Caswell County sheriff’s deputies and was released on an unsecured bond, the Associated Press reports. His next court date is Dec. 9.

The 65-year-old Webster was indicted on charges of embezzlement and exploitation. Prosecutors allege he was entrusted by his 80-year-old aunt to manage her financial affairs, but the account was converted to his own personal use.

Webster said the charges were politically motivated.

He served in the Legislature for six terms through 2006. He ran unsuccessfully for Congress this year, losing to incumbent Rep. Brad Miller.