Bentley testifies Hubbard lobbied him on projects that would benefit his business clients

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June 1, 2016

Governor Robert Bentley takes questions from reporters. (Photo: Governor's Office, Jamie Martin) — Governor Robert Bentley takes questions from reporters. (Photo: Governor’s Office, Jamie Martin)

OPELIKA, Ala. — Alabama Governor Robert Bentley testified in House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s corruption trial on Wednesday, telling the jury the speaker met with him to discuss “economic development projects” that would benefit his business clients. The governor said he believed at the time Hubbard was acting in his official capacity as speaker of the house. He did not know about Hubbard’s financial relationship with the companies involved. But Bentley added during cross-examination that he supported the projects because he believed they would create jobs.

Bentley’s brief testimony was not the dramatic, explosive moment in the case that some expected it to be, but prosecutors believe the governor’s statements support their charge that Hubbard was paid as much as $12,000 per month to illegally lobby the executive branch on behalf of the Southeast Alabama Gas District and CV Holdings.

The former head of the Alabama Ethics Committee also testified Tuesday that he had warned Hubbard against using his official position to benefit the Southeast Alabama Gas District.

The prosecution alleges Hubbard made millions of dollars in various schemes designed to leverage the power of his office to enrich himself.

The charges are as follows:

• Four counts of using of his office as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party for personal gain;
• One count of voting for legislation with a conflict of interest;
• Eleven counts of soliciting or receiving a thing of value from a lobbyist or principal;
• Two counts of using his office as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for personal gain;
• Four Counts of lobbying an executive department or agency for a fee;
• And one count of using state equipment, materials, etc. for private gain.

If convicted, Hubbard faces a maximum penalty of two to twenty years imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000.00 for each count, all of which are Class B Felonies.

Hubbard has vehemently denied the charges and said the case against him is a “political witch-hunt.”