The Latest: Ex-North Carolina lawmaker sentenced to 8 months

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Latest on a former North Carolina lawmaker being sentenced (all times local):

5:20 p.m.

A former North Carolina senator has received an eight-month prison sentence in federal court for charges stemming from allegations that he diverted campaign funds for personal use.

Fletcher Hartsell was sentenced Tuesday in Winston-Salem. He pleaded guilty in February to two tax-related counts and one count of mail fraud.

The sentencing hearing lasted for more than an hour as attorneys on both sides argued about the length of time Hartsell should serve.

Hartsell addressed the court before his sentencing, apologizing to his family and supporters, who crowded the courtroom to hear his fate.

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4:30 a.m.

A former North Carolina state senator accused by prosecutors of misusing more than $200,000 in campaign funds on such items as vacations, theatre tickets and haircuts is to be sentenced on federal charges.

Former state Sen. Fletcher Hartsell will appear Tuesday in Winston-Salem federal court. In an agreement, the 70-year-old Republican pleaded guilty in February to two tax-related counts and one mail fraud count. The maximum sentence for the mail fraud count is 20 years and three years for each tax count.

Prosecutors say Hartsell used campaign committee funds between 2007 and 2015 to pay expenses including vacations, speeding tickets and a “Jersey Boys” performance.

Hartsell served 26 years in the state Senate before deciding not to seek re-election last year.