Raymond Lavigne resigned from the Senate Monday, more than a week after he was found guilty of fraud and breach of trust, but he is still eligible for a government pension that could hit $80,000 per year.

Lavigne, a Quebecer appointed to the Red Chamber in 2002 by the Liberals, was initially suspended from the Senate more than three years ago after being charged with obstruction of justice, fraud and breach of trust.

Lavigne, 65, was accused of misusing public funds and instructing a Senate staffer to cut down trees at his property.

Earlier this month, Ontario Superior Court Judge Robert Smith found Lavigne guilty of fraud and breach of trust, but not guilty on the obstruction charge.

Smith told the court that Lavigne "used and intended to use his public office for a purpose other than the public good."

The court heard that the fraud amounted to $10,120.50.

CTV News reported last year that after he was suspended, Lavigne racked up about $700,000 in salary and office expenses.

Public financial records show that between 2007 and late 2010, Lavigne spent $135,000 for travel and $180,000 in office expenses. He also collected $388,500 in salary over that period.

Lavigne's behaviour first aroused suspicion in the summer months of 2005, when an aide was spotted chopping down trees on his Quebec property, Lavigne's trial heard. The yard work resulted in the destruction of saplings on a neighbour's property, according to evidence.

After the neighbour complained, an investigation led to criminal charges.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife said the case against Lavigne moved more quickly after the money trail was revealed.

"What really galled a lot of people and made the Senate act much quicker than they perhaps would have is that recently we revealed the hundreds of thousands of dollars that he spent on travel and so-called research when he was not even allowed to sit in the Senate because he was facing this court trial," Fife told CTV News Channel on Monday.

Lavigne was first elected as a Liberal MP in 1993 before being appointed to the Senate in 2002. Between his Senate and MP pensions, Lavigne could collect $80,000 per year, according to the Canadian Taxpayer's Federation.

Lavigne faces up to 14 years in prison. He will be sentenced later this spring.