By Kathryn Kennedy
The Daily Reflector
Friday, November 13, 2009
Former Greenville City Council member and local businessman Charles "Ray " Craft was sentenced Thursday to one year and a day in federal prison on tax evasion charges by a U.S. District Court Judge in New Bern just after 4 p.m. today.
Judge Louise W. Flanagan pronounced the sentence as part of a June 1 plea agreement between Craft and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Craft pleaded guilty to making a false statement on his returns and failing to report income from his business between 2001-2004.
Flanagan recommended that Craft serve his term at the federal penitentiary at Butner. She also ordered treatment for a personality disorder she believes caused him to make illogical decisions.
More than 30 people were in court to offer support for Craft. In addition, the court received 40 letters attesting to Craft's character.
Before sentencing, Craft's defense counsel, Keith Williams and Sonny McLawhorn, argued that Craft is an upstanding member of the community who made an error but took full responsibility for his actions. They asked the judge to place Craft on probation instead of an active sentence.
U.S. Attorney David Bragdon argued that Craft had little excuse for his significant disregard for the law, saying he was in an excellent position compared to most others, came from a good family, was educated and well known in the community and didn't need the money.
Both sides agreed Craft cooperated with the investigation.
Flanagan's sentence was a denial of the defense attorneys' request for probation, saying the active sentence deters others from evading tax laws.
Craft paid $192,000 in restitution to the government today and will begin his sentence Jan. 15.
*Super Lawyers is an annual publication with various criteria used to select the lawyers included in the magazine. For further explanation of their review process, please click here
