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