Ex-GOP Staffer Pleads Guilty To Embezzling $1.8 Million
[su_right_ad]Kenneth “Buddy” Barfield was campaign manager for Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst (pictured), and now faces up to 28 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines.
Appearing before a federal judge, Barfield pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, filing a false tax return and embezzlement…
“You simply do not know what your sentence will be,” U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane told Barfield on Tuesday, noting the judge could lessen his sentence significantly or impose a harsher penalty.
Over the course of four years, Barfield consistently siphoned off Dewhurst campaign donations, at one point converting more than $162,000 in political contributions during one four-month period to $25,000 to for his own personal use.
Both Barfield, who now lives in Alabama, and his Austin-based lawyer E. G. Morris declined to comment after the hearing Tuesday. Morris said his office would not be issuing a statement.
Once Dewhurst’s most trusted campaign adviser, Barfield admitted in a court filing that he stole funds from two campaign accounts – the David Dewhurst Committee and Dewhurst for Texas – and used the money to pay the mortgage on his columned, two-story mansion in West Austin, on school tuition for his children, on personal investments and for assorted other living costs.[su_csky_ad]
Carla Akins October 22nd, 2014 at 8:42 am
I’m sorry, what is that you were saying about Dems being “takers”…
NW10 October 22nd, 2014 at 9:14 am
He can share a prison cell with the McDonnells.
tiredoftea October 22nd, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Great, now we’re rewarding them with 3 ways in jail?
MarcoZandrini October 22nd, 2014 at 10:37 am
IOKIYAR – not!
John_St_John October 22nd, 2014 at 11:01 am
Once again a Republican makes the news for breaking the law. I honestly do not believe there is any honesty or integrity within the G.O.t.P.
lynchie October 22nd, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Being a crook is a sign of doing a good job to the GOP and the teabaggers.
tiredoftea October 22nd, 2014 at 2:01 pm
He steals $1.8MM and Dewhurst is still running away with the election? Can’t Dems in Texas get a break anywhere?
Jon Revoir October 22nd, 2014 at 3:19 pm
“I’m not a crook.” Who said that?
GreatLakeSailor October 23rd, 2014 at 2:32 pm
Steal billions from the Proletariat Cast, meh. Steal from the Ruling Cast, the “Just-Us” Authorities will get right on it. You Betcha.