Evidence against Wright detailed for third time as trial begins
RALEIGH (AP) — For the third time, evidence detailing the alleged crimes of former Rep. Thomas Wright is before the public.
Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby called retired state official Torlen Wade to testify Tuesday at Wright’s criminal trial. Wade repeated for the court how he wrote a bogus letter on Wright’s behalf in 2002 that helped the Wilmington Democrat secure a $150,000 bank loan.
Wade’s account of his dealings have previously been aired before the State Board of Elections and a special House ethics panel. The Board of Elections referred Wright’s case to Willoughby, while the full House voted last month to follow the ethics panel’s recommendation and kick Wright out of office.
Wright’s criminal trial began Monday with jury selection and a few procedural witnesses. He is charged with committing fraud in obtaining the bank loan and pocketing another $8,900 in corporate contributions meant for a health foundation he led in Wilmington.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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