Former Texas congressman found guilty of 23 felonies

Former Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) was found guilty Thursday of 23 out of 24 felony charges related to the defrauding of two conservative donors, the Texas Tribune reported.

The jury deliberated for three days before finding Stockman guilty, a decision that could mean he will face decades behind bars. Two former aides also accepted guilty pleas in the trial and testified against Stockman.

The jury reportedly rejected only one out four charges of wire fraud.

{mosads}The fiery former conservative lawmaker was accused of using $1.25 million in charitable donations from two conservative mega-donors to fund both personal and campaign expenses in what prosecutors called a “white-collar crime spree.”

Prosecutors maintained that the donations were given to the lawmaker for specific charitable purposes, including renovations for a building used by interns as well as “education” materials for voters.

Stockman’s lawyers claimed the donations were made for campaign purposes and that he had broad leeway for how they were used.

Stockman served two nonconsecutive terms in the House from 1995 to 1997 and 2013 to 2015. In 2014, the former lawmaker mounted a failed primary challenge against Sen. John Cornyn (R).

Stockman was placed into federal custody by U.S. Marshals on Thursday after the verdict and will remain in custody pending his sentencing in August.