Ex-N.C. Senator Hartsell Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Tax Crimes

Winston-Salem, N.C. — Fletcher Lee Hartsell, Jr., the former North Carolina State Senator who represented Cabarrus and Union Counties from 1991 to 2016, pleaded guilty today to federal mail fraud and multiple counts of filing false tax returns. The admission marks the collapse of a decades-long political career now marred by felony charges tied to the brazen misuse of campaign cash for personal luxuries.

Hartsell, appearing before U.S. District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder, admitted to one count of mail fraud and two counts of filing false tax returns. Federal prosecutors say he orchestrated a years-long scheme in which he funneled money from the Hartsell for NC State Senator Committee through the U.S. mail to pay for personal goods and services — including haircuts, lawn care, and other private expenses — that are strictly prohibited under state campaign finance law.

Court documents reveal Hartsell not only diverted funds but also falsified campaign disclosure reports to conceal the theft. He further submitted false federal income tax returns both as an individual and on behalf of a corporation he co-managed, knowingly misrepresenting the flow of money to hide his wrongdoing from regulators and the public.

“Transparency, honesty, and integrity on the part of elected officials allow citizens to make informed decisions about their campaign contributions and at the ballot box,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston. “This case should serve as a reminder that those occupying positions of public trust will be held accountable under the same criminal laws as their constituents.”

IRS-CI’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Daniels emphasized the tax ramifications: “By authorizing and directing campaign funds to pay for personal items and services, Hartsell caused false partnership and individual income tax returns to be filed.” FBI Special Agent-in-Charge John Strong added, “Senator Fletcher Hartsell degraded our country’s democratic process by spending campaign money as if it were from his own personal piggy bank.”

Hartsell now faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2017 in Winston-Salem. The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigations, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney JoAnna G. McFadden.