SBI agent, elections official to testify in Wright’s ethics case

RALEIGH (AP) — A State Bureau of Investigation agent says Rep. Thomas Wright admitted depositing charitable donations into his personal banking account.

Agent Johnnie Umphlet testified Wednesday that Wright told him the money served as reimbursement for work he did for his charitable foundation.

Umphlet appeared before a legislative ethics committee considering whether Wright engaged in unethical conduct while in office. The Wilmington Democrat is accused of misusing more than
$340,000 in loans and donations.

The House panel could recommend Wright be censured or expelled from the chamber.

Umphlet said he interviewed Wright twice last fall. He said Wright told him that he deposited $8,900 in donations from three corporations into his own account.

Wright’s attorney cross-examined Umphlet, questioning how the interviews were conducted and recorded.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)