Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, one of the most influential members of the N.C. General Assembly, accepted a federal plea deal to multiple financial charges, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
The most serious charge to which Lewis admitted was making false statements to a bank, a felony. He also admitted to a misdemeanor charge for failing to file a 2018 tax return.
He apparently diverted campaign contributions to his personal business interests. Although he later repaid the funds, this sort of temporary use of the funds is not allowed.
Lewis faces up to six months in prison but may only receive probation. That will be up to a federal judge.
However, Lewis’ career in the legislature is over, as he resigned his seat just ahead of the prosecutors’ announcement on Thursday. In a brief letter, he announced his immediate resignation and thanked the people of Harnett County, whom he has represented for more than 17 years.
Lewis issued a statement of contrition: “These are my mistakes and my mistakes alone. I am very sorry for these mistakes, and I apologize.”
Lewis apparently used the funds to support a farming operation he owns. “I was raised on a farm, and I’ve been a farmer all my life,” he said. “But farming has been tough for me for the past six years in a row, and the financial stress I’ve been under has been tremendous.”
He added, however, that “it does not excuse my mistakes.”
Lewis was tied to several major and controversial actions of the legislature in recent years, especially as head of the Rules Committee and the committee that oversaw redistricting plans, several of which were later rejected by the courts.
N.C. Rep. Graig Meyer, D-Orange, campaign co-chair for N.C. House Democrats, issued a statement noting Lewis’ role as a right hand to Republican House Speak Tim Moore, R-Cleveland.
“North Carolinians cannot trust Speaker Moore and House Republicans to legislate in the people’s best interest when key members of the team put their own personal interests first and foremost,” Meyer said.
Like all legislative seats, Lewis’ was up for re-election this year. He had initially campaigned for re-election but then withdrew from the race last month, saying he wanted to “focus my energies in new directions.”
It’s not clear whether he knew he might be headed to federal prison at that time.
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Another example of why term limits are needed at all levels of government. This is not a Dem vs Rep issue as both flavors have given us a bad taste in our mouthes for this kind of stupidity.
This Really isn’t surprising. So much corruption with politicians all over USA, government, etc. Then he will go through the Corrupt Justice system.. … Probably get 6 month’s probation and Fine’s. Good ol USA.
Good points in the previous comments. LOCK HIM UP!
I trust that CPP will pursue this case. Specifically, where did he come up with the $365k to reimburse his campaign? Was it in anyway connected to the $500k “loan” he got from convicted felon and Republican “fixer” Gray, who was sentenced to prison on the same day? What legislative favors might Lewis have done for Gray in return for the $500k loan? Do not let this slide, just because he made a plea deal. This guy was instrumental in the dismantling of free and fair elections in NC. Apparently, he chose to illegally profit from his privileged position, as he simultaneously stripped the basic rights of citizenship from all North Carolinians. Six month sentence, which he is “unlikely” to serve? Must be nice to get the “kid glove” treatment, even after admitting to felonious behavior! Disgraceful!!!
North Carolina is better off without this man as a key legislator. As the architect of much of the gerrymandering this state has suffered and the direction of monies to crisis pregnancy centers, he has not served the state well. I only hope someone who wants to really govern rather than steal votes will replace him.
Henderson County has two former legislators who kept the campaign contributions when they retired/resigned. Both have used them for personal benefit…one has used his account to make contributions to the Henderson County Heritage Museum and then requested IRS statements. Paper trail there to prove it.