The Latest: Ethics panel finds probable cause gov broke law
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Latest on the Ethics Commission hearing on Gov. Robert Bentley (all times local):
7:10 p.m.
A state ethics panel has ruled that there is probable cause that Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley violated state ethics and campaign finance law in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for more than a year.
The Alabama Ethics Commission voted Wednesday to refer the matter to the district attorney's office for possible prosecution.
The 74-year-old governor has struggled to shake off a scandal after recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.
Bentley has admitted making personal mistakes but denied doing anything illegal or that would merit his removal from office.
State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed an ethics complaint against Bentley accusing him of using state resources to pursue a relationship with the aide.
The commission found probable cause that Bentley misused state resources and improperly accepting a campaign contribution and loan outside allowed fundraising windows.
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8:18 a.m.
The Alabama Ethics Commission could weigh in soon on whether there's reason to believe Gov. Robert Bentley broke state law in a scandal that has engulfed him for a year.
The commission is expected to go behind closed doors Wednesday to consider the matter.
The 74-year-old governor admitted personal mistakes after recorded phone calls surfaced of him making sexually charged remarks to a female aide. However, he maintains he did nothing illegal.
State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed an ethics complaint against Bentley accusing him of using state resources to pursue a relationship with the aide.
The commission functions like a grand jury and will decide if there is probable cause that Bentley broke the ethics law. The commission could vote to refer the matter for possible prosecution.
