Paul Bookout
Former state Sen. Paul Bookout, a Democrat from Jonesboro, on Wednesday pleaded guilty in federal court to a single count of mail fraud for misusing $150,000 in campaign contributions for personal benefit.
Bookout waived his right to be indicted by a grand jury and instead pleaded guilty to an “information” filed directly by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Harris. Christopher Thyer, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, recused from the case, which was heard by U.S. District Judge Brian S. Miller.
The statutory maximum for mail fraud is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A sentencing date for Bookout has not been set.
According to the information, Bookout used $150,048 in contributions to his 2010 and 2012 elections “for personal items and expenses, including clothing for Bookout and family members, a sound system installed in Bookout’s home, golf clubs, country club pro shop expenses, sporting goods, liquor, household furnishing, tanning sessions, manicures, and travel expenses unrelated to his re-election campaigns.”
The count to which Bookout pleaded guilty specifically relates to his mailing of a fraudulent Campaign Contribution & Expenditure Report to the Secretary of State’s Office in December 2012.
Bookout apologized in a statement.
“I want to sincerely apologize to my family, my former constituents and the people of Arkansas,” he said. “I have cooperated with both State and Federal prosecutors throughout this process. My plea today reflects my acceptance of responsibility. I plan to work with all of my ability to make this right with my family, my former constituents and my community.”
Bookout’s attorney, Bill Stanley, said now that Bookout has entered a plea, the pre-sentencing process has begun.
“This process typically takes anywhere from 60 to 120 days, after which a sentencing hearing will be scheduled before the court,” he said. “At this sentencing hearing, the defense will present evidence to the court on Mr. Bookout’s behalf with regard to the potential sentence.”
Bookout’s misuse of campaign funds was first uncovered in 2013, and he resigned in August of that year from the state Senate, where he had served since 2006. He served as president pro tem in 2011 and 2012. He was the last Democrat to head the Senate before Republicans won control of the state Legislature in 2012.
“In a betrayal of his oath of office and his duty to the citizens of Arkansas, Mr. Bookout violated the integrity of our government and disrespected those he served by selfishly and brazenly spending campaign funds for his personal use,” stated David Shepard, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock FBI. “The FBI will continue to work together with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Arkansas State Police to ensure that all those who participate in political corruption will be held accountable for their actions.”
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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