A former Saline County sheriff who pleaded guilty to wire fraud earlier this year was sentenced Monday to 12 months and one day in prison relating to his use of campaign funds to pay for personal expenses.
Bruce Pennington, 64, who appeared in federal court in Little Rock on Monday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker, was also ordered to three years of supervised release and to pay a $2,500 fine.
In court, Baker recommended that Pennington, while in prison, undergo substance abuse treatment with an emphasis on alcohol use, as well as mental health counseling.
Citing information provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Peters, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that Pennington withdrew about $20,969 in cash from his campaign account and transferred $1,000 from his campaign account to his personal bank account to pay for personal expenses.
Campaign funds were used to pay for casino visits and groceries, as well as mortgage and utility bills, Peters said.
Pennington became Saline County sheriff in 2008, a role he held until his resignation in 2013.
The maximum penalty possible for wire fraud is 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.