RALEIGH -- A House ethics committee found probable cause to further investigate Rep. Thomas Wright on Wednesday. Prosecutors believe the New Hanover County Democrat misused more than $350,000 in campaign funds.

As seats for Wright and his attorney remained empty, deputy attorney generals detailed accusations against the state lawmaker.

Prosecutors accused him of fraudulently getting $160,000 in bank loans for a foundation he led and using that money for personal use.

"There's no evidence whatsoever that any of this money was ever used by Rep. Wright for the community health foundation," said Senior Deputy Attorney General William Hart.

Prosecutors also say Wright failed to report $185,000 in campaign funds over a seven year period. Wright contends it was sloppy bookkeeping but prosecutors say that's not the case.

"It would indicate in this particular instance that this is not simply a matter of contributions slipping by and not being reported but in fact there was an intent not to report the contributions," added Special Deputy Attorney General Alec Peters.

In criminal court last week where he faces eleven years in prison if convicted, Wright pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud and one count of obstruction of justice.

On Wednesday, the ethics committee found probable cause to investigate eight counts of misconduct as well.

"After looking at 22 straight quarters of information, 395-plus transactions, that is if nothing else if anything ever could be a pattern and practice purposeful deliberate misconduct," said Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland.

Much like a court case, there is a Jan. 25 deadline for Wright and his attorney to file any motions. There is a Feb. 11 hearing to hear those motions. After that, the committee will set a date for an evidentiary hearing where this committee could recommend his removal.

Wright heads back to court in early February to face the criminal charges. His attorney expects a trial date sometime this summer.