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MORRIS SENTENCED TO 18 MONTHS - Embezzling From Clay Bank, Makes Public Apology |
| (02/04/2003) |
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Former state school board president J.D.
Morris was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in
federal prison for embezzling $137,000 from
Clay County Bank, where he was president for many years. After the sentencing in U.S. District Judge Charles Haden's courtroom, the 67-year-old banker and public official apologized for taking money from customers interest accounts, expense reimbursements and a student loan organization. "I have failed my family, my friends and my community," he said. "I just want to say how sorry I am for my conduct," said Morris. Morris resigned from the state school board in October and plead guilty to one count of bank embezzlement in November. Haden said he could have sentenced Morris up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Morris paid back more than the amount he was accused of embezzling, The judge waived the fine and sentenced him to four years of supervised release and 18 months in federal prison. Morris paid the bank more than $172,000 two days before the charges were filed against him. Morris worked at the Clay County Bank for nearly 50 years, served on the Clay County school board for more than two decades and was on the state Board of Education and the state School Building Authority. Morris said he was sorry for the attention his adverse actions brought to the school board. "I was in a position where I could have done good... I hope I will have the opportunity to achieve some good in the future."
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