San Antonio State Senator Carlos Uresti, who is set to be sentenced later this month on multiple federal fraud convictions, today announced his resignation from the Texas Legislature, effect Thursday, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Uresti says he is proud of his accomplishments in the Senate and previously in the Texas House, especially working on behalf of abused and neglected children.
"The one achievement that makes me the proudest is forming the “Blue Ribbon Task Force” and passing laws that helped to protect children from abuse and neglect," Uresti said in a statement. "It has always been my primary mission to do everything possible to ensure that no child would be abused, neglected, sexually assaulted, bullied, or hurt in any way. With your help, we made children our top priority and helped to make a significant difference in children’s lives across my district and the state of Texas. I believe if the life of even one child was saved or was not abused due to our work, then my 22 years of service was a success."
Uresti was convicted in April on 11 counts of fraud and money laundering relating to the operations of a bogus fracking sand company. He was convicted of lying to potential investors to try to squeeze money out of them, and taking a cut of the investments. He is set to be sentenced June 26 in federal court in San Antonio.
"Moving forward, my priority will be to continue to ensure justice is done and working to help children across Texas. During the last year, some of the media has been unfair, inaccurate, or sensational when it was hurtful, not necessary or simply not true. Nonetheless, I know what I did and what I did not do," he said.
"It has always been my intention to do what was right for the constituents of District 19 and for Texas. To the extent any of you feel I let you down, please grant me forgiveness."
Uresti has already given up his license to practice law, and his wife has filed for divorce.Governor Abbott will now call a special election to fill Uresti's seat, which is not up for election this fall.