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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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