Alabama House Minority Leader Urges Against Judgement on Lawmaker's Arrest
@TJMaxx
[TheChronicle] - Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels voiced his support for Rep. Kelvin Lawrence of Lowndes County following Lawrence's arrest on Tuesday.
“I’ve served with Rep. Lawrence for 10 years,” said Daniels, a representative from Huntsville and leader of the House Democratic caucus since 2017. “I know the great things he has done for the people of his district. I know him to be a good man and he deserves our support. We should not pass judgement on him until all the facts are known. He’s a man of faith and good character and I stand by my friend.”
Lawrence faces charges of second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, as announced by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. These charges are Class C felonies, carrying potential prison sentences of one year and one day to 10 years.
Lawrence did not comment on Tuesday, stating that he would release a statement later through his lawyer.
The indictment, yet to be made public, alleges that Lawrence used a falsely made, completed, or altered builder’s license with the intent to defraud. No further details have been disclosed.
Lawrence, a Democrat, was elected to the Alabama House in 2014, representing District 69, which includes Lowndes County, most of Wilcox County, and parts of Autauga and Montgomery counties. He previously served as mayor of Hayneville.
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter also commented on the situation.
“Rep. Kelvin Lawrence’s indictment presents an unfortunate situation for his constituents and colleagues alike,” Ledbetter said. “I have full confidence in our justice system’s ability to assess the facts of this case and determine an appropriate course of action.”
