WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Former North Carolina State Senator Fletcher Hartsell, Jr. pleaded guilty Friday on charges of mail fraud and filing false tax returns.
Hartsell, who represented parts of Cabarrus and Union Counties from 1991 through 2016, engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain money through false pretenses by soliciting money through the mail for his Hartsell for NC State Senator Committee, according to reports.
Officials say funds where being used for personal goods and services that weren’t authorized by state campaign finance laws, and was also not properly reporting those expenditures. According to reports, Hartsell also lied on federal income tax returns that were filed both personally and on behalf of a corporation that he co-managed.
“Transparency, honesty, and integrity on the part of elected officials allow citizens to make informed decisions about their campaign contributions and at the ballot box. This case should serve as a reminder that those occupying positions of public trust will be held accountable under the same criminal laws as their constituents,” said Acting United States Attorney Hairston.
“By authorizing and directing campaign funds to pay for personal items and services, Hartsell caused false partnership and individual income tax returns to be filed,” said Michael C. Daniels, IRS-CI’s Acting Special Agent in Charge. “IRS-CI helps ensure that everyone, including public officials, comply with the same tax obligations as the citizens they serve.”
“Senator Fletcher Hartsell degraded our country’s democratic process by spending campaign money as if it were from his own personal piggy bank. Hartsell paid for basic expenses including haircuts and lawn care with money that belonged to the American people. The FBI will work tirelessly to ensure any elected official who abuses their power is held accountable for their wrongdoing,” said John Strong, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
Hartsell will face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 following the plea. His sentencing is scheduled for May 16th.
