MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday overturned five of the ethics convictions that ended the political career of former House Speaker Mike Hubbard, while upholding six others.
The all-Republican court’s long-awaited ruling in the corruption case against the once powerful Republican came ten months after justices heard arguments in the case and years after his conviction. Hubbard, 58, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016, but has remained free on appeal.
Hubbard, the architect of the GOP’s takeover of the Alabama Legislature in 2010, was a legislator from Auburn and former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. He was elected House speaker soon after the Republicans consolidated their control, but was automatically removed from office after his 2006 felony conviction.
Prosecutors accused Hubbard of monetizing his public office to obtain clients and investments for his businesses. His defense lawyers maintained the transactions were all above-board.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said while he was disappointed in some of the court’s findings, he was pleased the court agreed, “Hubbard broke the law and will be held accountable for his abuse of power.”