Reed faces 4 years in prison
Published 6:00 am Friday, April 7, 2017
Former District Attorney Walter Reed was sentenced to 48 months in prison Wednesday, in connection with a political corruption case that concluded in May 2016.
According to media reports, U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced both Reed and his son, Steven Reed, on Wednesday, after multiple delays.
Fallon cited “unusual facts” to support Reed’s four-year sentence and said that he illegally spent campaign money on gifts and lunches, and not fancy cars and clothes. He could have faced up to 10 years in prison.
Reed was also ordered to pay more than $615,000 in restitution and fines.
Steven Reed was sentenced to five months probation, 50 hours of community service and no fine.
A jury convicted Walter Reed in May on 18 counts ranging from conspiracy to fraud for, among other things, using campaign contributions for personal use. The jury also found Steven Reed guilty on one count each of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
Walter Reed will remain free on bond while appealing his convictions to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.