AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was found guilty of money laundering Wednesday, the third day of jury deliberations in Austin, Texas.
DeLay illegally funneled $190,000 of corporate money through the Republican National Committee to seven Texas candidates during the 2002 elections, the Austin American Statesman reported.
Jurors sent a written note to Judge Pat Priest at 4:46 p.m. saying they had reached a verdict after spending about 19 hours going over a mountain of evidence and testimony from the three-week trial during which the prosecution faced the task of proving DeLay knew the money had been obtained through an illegal activity before it was laundered, The New York Times reported.
DeLay, known as "The Hammer" for his heavy-handed style, was allowed to remain free on bond until his Dec. 20 sentencing. He faces a possible life sentence in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine on the money-laundering charge, and two to 20 years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine on a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the newspaper said.
No decision has been made concerning whether prosecutors will recommend prison time for DeLay, Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said.
