By Gary D. Robertson

Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — A longtime North Carolina state senator has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges stemming from allegations he spent more than $200,000 in campaign funds over several years for his personal benefit.

The 14-count fraud and money laundering indictment against Sen. Fletcher Hartsell of Concord was handed down Tuesday. A Wake County grand jury three months ago indicted the Republican on counts of filing false campaign reports.

Tuesday’s indictment alleges he took money from his campaign account and funneled it to his law firm and a corporation he owned with his wife. The indictment says Hartsell justified to the State Board of Elections spending campaign money on trips, show tickets and haircuts.

Hartsell and his lawyer didn’t immediately return calls. Hartsell’s first court appearance is Thursday in Greensboro.