ALEA Audit Shows No Discrepancies, Report Says
When Governor Robert Bentley fired former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency head Spencer Collier this week, he cited an internal investigation that produced “a number of issues, including possible misuse of state funds.” However, according to a recent report, ALEA’s finances were clean.
WBRC has obtained a copy of an audit of the released last month. The 17-page document, published to their website on Thursday morning, “did not disclose any significant instances of noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.”
The report, dated February 19, 2016, looks at financial transactions and assets for ALEA during a six year period from October 2009 until September 2015.
Governor Robert Bentley announced the termination of the agency’s former secretary Spencer Collier on Monday, the decision came hours after the acting head of ALEA said there was an ongoing investigation into the possible misuse of state funds within the agency. At the time Bentley said in a statement that he was disappointed to “learn these facts.” No supporting information about such an investigation has been provided, though none is required since Alabama is an “at-will” state.
WBRC has requested a copy of the internal report from the Governor’s Office.
Collier had been placed on a three-month medical leave by Bentley on February 17, two days before the audit was released. Collier’s medical leave came shortly after it became public that Collier submitted an affidavit as part of an ongoing case involving State Senate Speaker Mike Hubbard against Governor Bentley’s wishes.
Report on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State of Alabama
Birmingham names new police chief
After a four month wait, Birmingham has a new police chief. Tuesday morning, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced that interim chief Michael Pickett is taking on the role permanently.
Email shows senator did receive town hall invite, despite Tuberville saying otherwise
Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s office said he never received an invitation to a town hall in Birmingham held for his constituents last month. The organizers beg to differ.
Federal judge drops corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Adams was scheduled to go on trial in April until new leadership at the Justice Department under the Trump administration ordered prosecutors in New York in February to drop the case, sparking a public outcry and resignations of prosecutors.
How HBCUs are helping grow the next generation of Gulf South environmental activists
Marginalized people often bear the brunt of environmental injustices. An annual conference in New Orleans is shaping young Black leaders to solve these issues.
How do ‘torpedo bats’ work? We asked baseball physicists to explain
They look like baseball bats morphing into bowling pins, their ends flaring into an aggressive bulge that suddenly tapers. So how do they work?
10 books we’re looking forward to this spring
A famed graphic novelist returns! A Southern-gothic crime-thriller inspired by The Godfather! An extremely in depth biography of Mark Twain! And more!