SAN ANTONIO — One local representative is reacting to the guilty verdict of State Sen. Carlos Uresti.

State Representative Roland Gutierrez issued the following statement: "As elected officials we are all held to a higher standard and any type of conviction like this is going to have a negative impact on the public trust. I'm sure this is a terribly difficult time for Carlos and his family and my prayers go out to them. Guilty on all 11 counts means that this jury found the evidence compelling and convincing.

What it also means is that over the next few weeks we need to have a serious discussion as constituents and taxpayers about how we move forward and turn the page."

Gutierrez was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, District 119 in San Antonio.

The Texas Democratic Party Communications Director Tariq Thowfeek released a statement saying: “Today, jurors exercised the awesome responsibility entrusted to them by the court. We have the utmost respect for the American judicial system, and we trust that the ensuing process will ensure that justice is served. No one is ever above the law.

“After being found guilty of such serious crimes, Senator Uresti must seriously consider whether he can serve his constituents.

A jury voted unanimously to convict Uresti on all 11 counts related to his role with FourWinds Logistics. He is facing prison time and as a felon will be ineligible to serve in the Texas Legislature. Uresti said he plans to appeal his conviction.   

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is relieving Uresti of his committee assignments, issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

“I have confidence in our judicial system and the jury has spoken. Though I recognize that Sen. Uresti is entitled to exercise his right to appeal, my first priority is to the people of Texas. Therefore, I will take immediate steps that will allow the members of the Texas Senate to focus on the critical issues facing our state as we prepare for the next legislative session. 

“As lieutenant governor, I do not have the authority to remove Sen. Uresti from the Texas Senate but I have notified his office that he will be relieved of his committee assignments, effective immediately. I will replace him in those positions shortly so that the work of these committees can continue to move forward.” 

Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey released the following statement: 

"The corruption of the Texas Democrat Party proves that their party is unfit to govern the state of Texas. After being found guilty on all eleven federal fraud charges, including wire fraud and money laundering, Senator Carlos Uresti joins the list of Texas Democrats who have been found guilty of crimes while serving in office. By refusing to resign, Senator Uresti remains an extreme example of the moral and ethical problems within the Texas Democrat Party.

"Democrat State Senator Carlos Uresti must resign from the Texas Senate. Texas needs people of integrity in every elected position, and I encourage all Texas voters to remember this when they vote in the general election.”