Steve Stockman
⚠️ All Corruption Flags (3)
In April 2018, a federal jury convicted former Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) on 23 felony counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy, making false statements, and money laundering. Prosecutors proved Stockman diverted approximately $1.25 million in funds from political donors and charitable foundations to pay for personal expenses including hot air balloon rides, kennel bills, and a new dishwasher, as well as for campaign and political expenditures.
On November 7, 2018, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes sentenced Stockman to 120 months (10 years) in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and over $1 million in restitution. The Houston Chronicle reported that Stockman's conspiracy attempted to 'bilk conservative foundations out of at least $775,000 in donations meant for charitable purposes or voter education.'
On December 22, 2020, President Donald Trump commuted Stockman's 10-year sentence. Stockman had served more than 2 years of his sentence at the time. He remained subject to supervised release and the $1 million restitution order. The commutation does not vacate the underlying 23 felony convictions.