Former Rep. Wright sentenced to between 6 and 8 years in prison

RALEIGH, N.C. (Rocky Mount Telegram) — Three weeks after losing his seat in the Legislature, former Rep. Thomas Wright lost his freedom Monday after a jury found him guilty of fraud and a judge sent him to prison.

The Wilmington Democrat is the fourth House member to be convicted or plead guilty to a crime in state or federal court since 2006, a roster that includes former Speaker Jim Black.

"This is just another unpleasant chapter in what we've been dealing with for the last two to three years," said Wake County prosecutor Colon Willoughby. "I think he just forgot who he was supposed to be serving."