N.C. lawmaker faces ethics hearings

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- North Carolina lawmakers are calling for hearings on ethics charges against state Rep. Thomas Wright, who is facing criminal indictments.

The General Assembly's Ethics Committee said Wednesday the hearings will likely be scheduled for early February, The Charlotte Observer said. The Wilmington, N.C., Democrat also is expected to face hearings before a separate committee on ethics charges.

The newspaper said it is the first time the House has moved to expel a member in more than a century.

Wright was indicted Monday on charges he allegedly scammed businesses and campaign contributors out of more than $350,000.