LITTLE ROCK — A sentencing hearing for a former Arkansas lawmaker who pleaded guilty to spending more than $150,000 in campaign funds on personal items has been postponed.
U.S. District Judge Brian Miller on Tuesday granted former state Sen. Paul Bookout's request to delay his sentencing hearing, originally set for next week. Bookout in March pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge for spending the campaign funds on clothing, liquor, a sound system and other personal items.
Bookout stepped down two years ago over ethics violations related to the campaign misspending.
Bookout's attorney said in a filing Monday the former lawmaker needs more time to meet with his accountant to identify which campaign donors have been reimbursed. Miller has not set a new date for the hearing.