Jury finds Stan Wright guilty

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - What happens now in Bayou La Batre?

Alabama law states when an office holder is convicted of a felony, the office has to be vacated at the time of the conviction.

Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright was convicted Friday afternoon on four federal charges.

The charges are conspiring to defraud the United States, thefts related to receiving federal money, retaliating against a witness, and witness tampering.

EARLIER IN THE DAY

Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright left federal court for lunch Friday afternoon just before jurors began deliberating.

While walking from the courtroom, Wright said, "I've got good confidence, but I don't want to get in trouble for interviewing."

After deliberating for about 90 minutes, a federal jury convicted Wright on all four counts pending against him.　

AFTER THE VERDICT

Wright did not speak after the verdict, apparently leaving the courtroom through another exit.

His attorney did.

When asked if Wright will immediately resign, Arthur Madden said, "I haven't looked at the municipal law aspect of this case."

And, when asked how Wright was reacting to word of the verdict, Madden said, "I think you'd have to speak to Mr. Wright about that. Obviously, I'm sure he's disappointed. So am I"

DETAILS ON THE CHARGES

Federal officials accused Wright of using his daughter to funnel FEMA money meant for Hurricane Katrina survivors into his personal bank account in 2007.

Prosecutor George May said, "The message is that, when you have federal funds that come in that are designed for disaster victims, that's how they have to be applied."

RELATED: Bayou La Batre Trial

 

RETALIATION CHARGE

Federal officials also said Wright retaliated against then Bayou La Batre Police Captain Darryl Wilson after learning Wilson was cooperating with FBI investigators.

They said Wright put Wilson on patrol and removed him from a federal task force, which cost him overtime money.

Cindy Wilson, Darryl Wilson's wife, said, "My husband has been through a living hell."

Wilson himself said, "I'm not going to sit here and tell you that, based off the things that have occurred in my life over the last couple of years, that I wouldn't second guess again. But, bottom line is, I've been a cop for 22 and a half years and, if I have to do it over again, I know in my heart that I'll do it again."

SENTENCING POSSIBILITIES

Wright could receive a maximum of 55 years in prison on all four counts, although the most an individual charge carries is 20 years.

Sentencing is set for June 28.

THE FUTURE?

If Wright doesn't leave office immediately, Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich said the state ethics department would hold an ethics prosecution.