The Dallas Morning News reports that former David Dewhurst advisor Kenneth “Buddy” Barfield was sentenced to more than 7 years in prison for his embezzlement of millions of dollars from Dewhurst’s campaign war chest.

Barfield was also ordered by a federal judge to pay $2.5 million in restitution,  after pleading guilty in October to three charges, including wire fraud, falsified tax returns and theft of campaign funds from a candidate for federal office.

U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks said that the 87-month sentence was a “little bit low,” as compared to others he’s given out for similar offenses. But taking into account Barfield’s cooperation in the case, the judge said he hoped the sentence would be a deterrent.  “The seriousness of the offense I don’t think can be overstated,” Sparks said.

Barfield used the money to pay his home mortgage, tuition for his children and personal expenses. Barfield’s rather unsophisticated scheme involved false bank deposits, fake invoices and reports that inflated the amount of cash on hand.  Barfield’s businesses were also paid for work that was never performed including polling and political mail-outs.  Judge Sparks remarked that Barfield’s actions “could well have impacted elections.”  Hopefully, Ted Cruz will send Barfield a care basket every now and then.