Alabama House speaker’s trial on ethics charges to start
Published 1:00 pm Tuesday, May 24, 2016
- FILE - In this Feb. 2, 2016 file photo, Rep. Mike Hubbard of Auburn, Ala., pounds the gavel to signify the beginning of Alabama legislation's opening, in Montgomery, Ala. Hubbard awaits a trial on 23 felony ethics charges that could result in his removal. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — The speaker of Alabama’s House of Representatives is going on trial on felony charges that could result in his removal from office.
A judge told jurors to be in court Tuesday morning to begin the trial of Speaker Mike Hubbard.
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Hubbard engineered the Republican Party’s takeover of the Alabama Statehouse in 2010. Now he’s charged with 23 felony ethics violations. Conviction on even one would result in his ouster.
Prosecutors say Hubbard used both his office and past position as chairman of the Alabama GOP to solicit business for himself and his companies.
Hubbard denies doing anything wrong.
Hubbard’s trial comes as Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley faces possible impeachment over a sexually charged scandal. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore also is suspended and faces possible removal for allegedly violating judicial ethics.
