Tom Wright

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[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Judge John Stevens rules Calvin Walker must pay $1.76 million to BISD in restitution.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Former BISD electrical contractor Calvin Walker is back in court today for a restitution hearing. A Jefferson County jury found Walker guilty of defrauding BISD in Oct. of last year. The same jury recommended a sentence of 10 year probation.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Kingsley testifies she never identified any loss due to Walker’s work.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Kingsley testifies Walker’s contract was a “cost plus” contract, meaning the cost of materials plus a mark up. That would mean Walker’s Mark up was ten times the cost of the materials

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The defense calls Jane Kingsley, former BISD Chief Financial Officer.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Defense Dick Deguerin is repeatedly making the argument that BISD has never identified a loss due to Walker’s work.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Former BISD Superindetendant Carol Thomas takes the stand. He also testifies Walker did the work under an emergency contract.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Lee testifies Walker’s work at South Park and Regina-Howell campuses was done as an emergency contract, a procedure under the district’s policy that changes how contractors bill the district.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The defense is calling witnesses, beginning with Naomi Lee, a former BISD purchasing agent. Dr. Carol Thomas is also in the courtroom as a potential witness. Both testified in Walker’s trial.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The judge asked the state what amount it believes Walker should pay. The state’s answer is $1,172,000.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Judge John Stevens had to option of adding county jail time and restitution to Walker’s punishment. Steven sentenced Walker to 180 days in jailin a previous hearing. Today’s hearing will decide if there’s any financial restitution.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

@natalieontv Someone actually listened to me!

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

@ChrisMullooly You probably shouldn’t step foot in the Lone Star State.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The jury sentencing verdict: 10 years in prison, probated, meaning no prison time for Walker, plus a $10,000 fine.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The punishment phase of the Calvin Walker fraud trial gets underway in the Jefferson County Criminal Court. Last week, a jury found Walker guilty of defrauding BISD in 2009. This week the same jury will hear testimony before deciding a sentence to recommend to the judge.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The jury has indicated its reached a sentencing verdict.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

@msneil Yes. The jury decision in the sentencing phase has to be unanimous.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

The jury is now going into the deliberations room.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Knauth stresses the money lost could have been used to better educate the district’s children.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Knauth ask the jury to set a standard of consequences to detour any future fraud.

[Tom Wright @TomWrightKFDM]

Knauth: “He netted $2.5 million in illegal gains for 2 1/2 months of work. If you make $50,000 a year, it would take you 50 years to make that.”