Texas Democratic fundraiser convicted

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) – A south Texas jury has found Democratic fundraiser Marucio Celis guilty in Corpus Christi of falsely identifying himself as a peace officer, a misdemeanor.

The 38-year-old Corpus Christi man had been charged with third-degree felony impersonating a public servant. The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports the Nueces County jury deliberated for more than three hours before finding Celis guilty of the lesser charge. That charge carries a punishment of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Prosecutors said Celis used a reserve deputy badge after suspension of his law enforcement commission. The case stems from a 2007 incident in which a bystander called police after a nude woman climbed into her truck after leaving Celis’ home.

No sentencing date has been set. The Caller-Times reports Visiting Judge Richard Terrell will decide the sentence.
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Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com