Wright will face ethics hearings

Rep. Thomas Wright will face ethics hearings in the state House.

The General Assembly's ethics committee announced Wednesday that they have enough evidence to convene hearings against the Wilmington Democrat, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Hearings likely will be scheduled for early February, according to co-Chairman Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat.

Wright also is expected to face hearings by another, special committee convened to consider charges against him. Either committee's proceedings, akin to a trial, could lead to a House vote to expel him.

"When allegations this serious come to our attention, we have the obligation to investigate and act," said House Speaker Joe Hackney.