Steve Stockman, ex-Texas congressman, found guilty in fraud trial

HOUSTON – Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman was found guilty of 23 out of 24 counts of mail and wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements on Thursday in his federal fraud trial.

"He's very disappointed and sad that he won't be going home with his wife but he is keeping his head up,” said Stockman’s attorney, Sean Buckley. “He's strong. He's a survivor as he always has been and he will get through this.”

Stockman was accused of conspiring to violate federal election laws during his last term in office.

Federal prosecutors said that the former congressman conspired with two former employees to funnel $1.25 million dollars in charitable donations for his personal and campaign use.

According to the complaint, in 2011 Stockman set up a nonprofit called Life Without Limits in Las Vegas.

Prosecutors said a single contributor donated $350,000 to the charity, which Stockman funneled back to himself through donations made by his employees.

Stockman's defense team argued that donors knew where the money was going.

"Our theory is that these mega-donors who donated to Mr. Stockman were donating not because they wanted Mr. Stockman to use the funds on particular projects as the government has claimed but because they wanted to finance Mr. Stockman as a politician, to finance his political activities and to finance his projects,” said Buckley.

The jury did not agree.

Unlike other days when Stockman was free to come and go from court, he was taken into immediate custody after the verdict. The judge agreed with the prosecution - Stockman had foreign contacts and he also had potential hidden financial resources that he could use.

He was too much of a flight risk.

The defense team noted that Stockman was diabetic and asked the judge that the proper medical arrangements be made for him.  The judge said she would make that recommendation.

Stockman served two terms in Congress, from 1995 to 1997 and then again from 2013 to 2015. He resigned to run unsuccessfully against Sen. John Cornyn in the 2014 Republican primary.

The Harris County Republican Party released a statement Thursday that read:

"During two terms in Congress, Steve Stockman represented the people of Texas's 9th congressional district (1995 to 1997) and Texas's 36th congressional district (2013 to 2015) with genuine care and concern for his constituents. He consistently sought opportunities to serve Texans in many capacities during his career.

"His conviction today in court is a sad and unfortunate conclusion to his life of public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they deal with this challenging circumstance. We wish them all the best."