RALEIGH, N.C. — (AP) — North Carolina state Rep. David Lewis has been accused of federal tax and bank fraud charges.
Federal prosecutors on Thursday accused the Harnett County Republican of a scheme to transfer money from his campaign committee to help his farm.
Lewis said in a news release he’s entering a plea agreement. Court documents show a formal plea hearing is scheduled for next week.
A criminal bill of information formally accuses of Lewis of making false statements to a bank and failing to file a 2018 tax return.
Lewis has been chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee. He also resigned from the House on Thursday.
State House Speaker Tim Moore’s Statement on the Resignation of Lewis:
"I am obviously deeply disappointed by these circumstances and regret the poor reflection they have on Rep. Lewis' public service," Speaker Moore said Thursday.
“I have been a friend and colleague of David’s since college, and while people make mistakes they must be held accountable, particularly as public servants. I wish the Lewis family well moving forward from this.”
House Representative and Campaign Co-Chair Graig Meyer issued the following statement:
“North Carolinians cannot trust Speaker Tim Moore and House Republicans to legislate in the people’s best interest when key members of his team put their own personal interests first and foremost.”
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
