Federal Jury Finds Mike Thompson Guilty

The verdict is in: Wednesday night, a federal jury found Mike Thompson guilty of taking state money for his personal use.

The former director of the Poverty Point Reservoir District was charged with using an employee's labor for his personal use and then charging it to Poverty Point.

NBC 10 is the only station that has been in the courtroom for the entire trial.

Mike Thompson walks out of the federal courthouse in Monroe hidden under his umbrella, his family holding onto their emotions on a rainy Wednesday night.

A jury unanimously decided Mike Thompson is guilty of taking taxpayer money for his personal use under the Hobbs Act.

Thompson is the brother of Louisiana state senator Francis Thompson

"We believe it shows that no one is above the law no matter what their station in life or their last name,” said U.S. Attorney Mignonne Griffing.

U.S. attorney Mignonne Griffing is satisfied.

Three years ago the state charged Thompson with using Joe Cleveland, a handy man hired by Poverty Point Reservoir in Delhi, for his own personal projects.

"It shows that Cleveland was telling the truth, of what Thompson’s been telling him to do over a period over the last five to seven years,” said Griffing.

Thompson’s attorney’s Allyn Stroud and Mike Small leave the courtroom in defeat after the jury ruled in favor of the state.

"I felt that the proper result would have been acquittal, but the jury saw otherwise and we disagree with the verdict, but we respect the system,” said Small.

After the jury read the verdict and left the room, Thompson’s attorneys again pled for acquittal based on a lack of evidence against Thompson.

That motion was first filed on Monday, but was never ruled on.

On this day, the judge denied the request and now is required to sentence Thompson in May.

Thompson’s attorney acknowledges the next few months will be tough.

"For Mike to be with his family, not discuss anymore legal matters but in due course, we'll discuss with him, the possibility of appeal,” said Small.

Thompson’s sentencing date has been set for May 24^th.

He will remain a free man until then.

Thompson could face up to a $250 thousand fine, 20 years in prison or both.

Thompson’s attorney says that they will fight for an appeal.