FAYETTEVILLE -- Randell Shelton, Jr., reported to a federal prison in Texas today to begin serving his sentence on corruption charges related to a kickback scheme involving state grant money.
Shelly Koehler, one of Shelton's attorneys, said today Shelton reported to a minimum security federal facility in Beaumont, Texas.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks on Friday denied motions from Shelton and former Ecclesia College President Oren Paris seeking to to remain free on bond while they appeal their public corruption convictions.
Paris, who pleaded guilty to one count, must report to a federal prison by 1 p.m. Wednesday, according to the judge's order.
The two men were accused of funneling cash bribes to former state Sen. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, in exchange for Woods' directing more than $715,000 in state General Improvement Fund grants to Ecclesia.
Shelton was sentenced Sept. 6 to 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He is to pay $660,698 in restitution, a separate $664,000 money judgment and a $1,200 special assessment.
Paris was sentenced Sept. 12 to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He must pay $621,500 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
Woods, who with Shelton was convicted by a federal jury in May, started serving his prison sentence of 18 years and four months on Sept. 26 at a facility in Fort Worth. Brooks earlier denied Woods' request to remain free while appealing his conviction. Woods also is ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution, forfeit $1 million in assets, and pay a $1,500 special assessment.
Former state Rep. Micah Neal pleaded guilty in January 2017 and agreed to testify against his co-conspirators. Neal was sentenced Sept. 13 to three years probation, including a year of house arrest, and $200,000 in restitution.
NW News on 10/09/2018