Wright seeks delay in ethics investigation

RALEIGH — State Representative Thomas Wright is headed back to court today.

The Wilmington Democrat is asking a judge to keep a House ethics from meeting next week as scheduled.

Wright’s attorney argues the hearing would make it “impossible” for Wright to get a fair trial on fraud and obstruction of justice charges.

His trial on those charges was expected to start next week, but was delayed on Monday.

The House ethics panel could recommend that Wright be censured or expelled from office if it finds clear and convincing evidence that he participated in conduct unbecoming a lawmaker.