N.C. Rep. Wright convicted of fraud

RALEIGH, N.C., April 8 (UPI) -- Despite a fraud conviction North Carolina state Rep. Thomas Wright will stay on the Democratic primary ballot, which already has been printed, officials say.

Wake County Superior Judge Henry Hight Jr. Monday sentenced Wright to six to eight years in prison just hours after he was convicted on three felony fraud counts in a property scam.

Wright was accused of obtaining property by false pretenses, bank fraud and soliciting contributions under false pretenses. He was acquitted on a charge stemming from a $1,500 AT&T contribution.

Wright is the first member of the North Carolina House to face jail time since 1880.

Wright's name will appear on the May Democratic primary ballots, which already are in place in the two counties in his jurisdiction, even though state law forbids convicted felons from running for office.

Defense attorney Doug Harris said Monday he would appeal because media coverage tainted public opinion, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported.