State Representative Convicted of Fraud Charges

Decatur, Alabama – A guilty verdict has been handed down in the trial of a state representative accused of fraud. State Representative Sue Schmitz awaits sentencing on seven felony fraud charges connected with being paid more than $177,000 for doing little to no work on a federally funded job.

The 64 year old Democrat from Toney in Madison County faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of three counts of mail fraud, and she faces as much as 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each of four counts of fraud involving a program receiving federal funds. Schmitz was acquitted on one count of mail fraud.

Schmitz's attorney says his client will likely appeal the conviction.