A Democrat lawmaker in Alabama has been arrested by authorities on felony charges, according to reports.
Democrat State Rep. Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence was arrested in Montgomery on Tuesday, according to WSFA-TV.
The report said the 50-year-old legislator was charged with second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument – both felonies.
According to the Alabama attorney general’s office, the indictment of Lawrence alleges “intent to defraud, falsely made, completed, or altered a builder’s license.”
According to WPMI-TV, the two charges are Class C felonies.
The Democrat lawmaker is now facing a total of 20 years in prison.
In addition, under state law, any elected official convicted of a felony is automatically removed from office, according to WSFA.
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter put out a statement in response to Lawrence’s arrest.
“I expect members of the Alabama House of Representatives to hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity in both their personal and professional lives,” the Republican said, according to WSFA.
“Rep. Kelvin Lawrence’s indictment presents an unfortunate situation for his constituents and colleagues alike.”
“I have full confidence in our justice system’s ability to assess the facts of this case and determine an appropriate course of action,” Ledbetter said.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the state’s Special Prosecutions Division was prosecuting the case.
Many people commented on the story on social media.
“Prosecute to the full extent of the law,” one wrote on X.
“Enough of their BS that no one is above the law. Prove it.
“As an Alabama resident, I am outraged at this entitled behavior.”
“Good. People like this are tainting the only system we have to keep us quasi-civilized,” another user said.
“Our politicians believe they’re untouchable and can do whatever the hell they want,” another posted.
“They no longer serve the people, they serve themselves.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lawrence’s first election to the state’s Legislature.
https://slaynews.com/news/democrat-lawmaker-arrested-felony-forgery-charges/
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