Former Tennessee state senator John Ford, a Democrat, was sentenced to 21 months in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to a federal charge of mail and wire fraud related to a campaign finance scheme.
Ford, 67, was accused of using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including entertainment, airfare, events and meals. He was also charged with making false statements to the Federal Election Commission related to his financial reportings.
Ford served in the state Senate from 1998 to 2004 and also held a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1978 to 1994. At the time of the sentencing, he was working as a minister in Memphis.
Ford was handed a sentence of 21 months in prison, plus one year supervised release and a fine of $15,000. He must also pay restitution to his campaign finance committee of $47,000.
