Former Access TV Boss Gets Jail Time

You can’t steal from the public and stay out of jail for long. Unless, of course, you’re a politician. John Villarreal, former director of Austin’s community access TV stations, found that out the hard way today when state District Judge Mike lynch sentenced him to seven years in prison for stealing public funds. Prosecutors had asked for a 10-year sentence, while Villarreal’s attorneys had sought probation.

While in his position of authority, Villarreal stole more than $350,000 from the non-profit group that runs the stations. After his not-so-smooth operations came to light, Villarreal began putting aside money for restitution, but his lawyer admitted only $1,300 bucks had been earmarked for said in that time. That’s not gonna cut it.

"I thought (Lynch) was very judicious," Villarreal said after sentencing. "Obviously the crime was very serious."

[from the Statesman]

Villarreal stole the money by making 94 unauthorized withdrawals from the Austin Community Access Center's accounts from January 2000 to September 2004, according to court documents.

In October 2005, that nonprofit lost the city contract to run the stations and Public Access Community Television took over. The group is subject to more stringent oversight, said Executive Director Linda Litowsky. For example, it must present monthly reconciled bank statements to city auditors, she said.

Villarreal said in court that he used the money he stole for living expenses such as dining out, travel and University of Texas football tickets.

Travel, fancy meals and Longhorn tickets? Obviously dude really did think he was some kinda elected official.