Document Actions
Wright: 6 to 8 years
posted at 2008-04-07 16:24 | Last modified 2008-04-09 16:24
Judge Henry Hight took all of fifteen minutes this afternoon to sentence former lawmaker Thomas Wright.
Earlier today, prosecutors sought to add four aggravating factors to the sentencing, but the judge ruled out three. After lunch, Wake DA Colon Willoughby said he would drop the fourth as well.
But even without aggravating factors, it was still a pretty steep sentence.
Wright was sentenced to 6 to 8 months for each of two Class H felonies - the charges of converting charitable donations to personal use. (The jury found him not guilty of a third such charge.)
On the bigger Class-C charge, obtaining the 150K loan under false pretenses, Wright was sentenced to 58 to 79 months.
Those sentences are consecutive, not concurrent. When you add them up, Wright's minimum term is 70 months (that's 5 yrs, 10 mo). His maximum sentence is 95 months (that's 7 yrs 11 mo.)
Hight denied a motion by defense attorney Doug Harris to allow Wright to remain free while he appeals his case. Wright was escorted from the courtroom by sheriff's deputies.
Harris said he'll file an appeal - and ask for immediate relief - today.
