Former Harris County judge pleads guilty to embezzling campaign funds; is sentenced
Alexandra Smoots-Thomas, a former Harris County civil judge, a 44-year-old pleaded guilty to using campaign funds to pay personal expenses, capping off a turbulent year that included chemotherapy, remission, a failed bid to reclaim her former bench and criminal charges last month alleging she fired a shotgun at her husband’s girlfriend. The government dropped six remaining counts of wire fraud.
Her plea agreement details how she siphoned off campaign money to purchase a Zales engagement ring and two Prada handbags, and to make two mortgage payments and cover private school tuition for her two sons. As a convicted felon, she will no longer be permitted to practice law, the only career she’s ever known, according to her lawyer in the assault case.Federal Judge Lynn Hughes sentenced her to time served - 37 days - and ordered restitution of about $28,000.
The aggravated assault case arose out of her going to her husband's girlfriend's house and discharging a shotgun. That case was dropped (presumably in another court).
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