The former CEO and president of the Charlie Brown’s restaurant chain has admitted he accepted more than $1 million in kickbacks from contractors and vendors.

Russell D’Anton pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax evasion. The 49-year-old Manasquan resident admitted that he and a former company vice president, Michael Mulligan of West Milford, used their positions to further the scheme. Mulligan pleaded guilty Monday.

D’Anton admitted he accepted expensive home appliances, checks and cash from a construction company and vendors who provided Charlie Brown’s with refrigeration services and bakery products.

He faces up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines at sentencing on May 17.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.