MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Some of the most prominent names in Alabama government will be testifying at House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s ethics trial scheduled to start later this month.
Court records filed Tuesday show that subpoenas have been issued to Gov. Robert Bentley, former Gov. Bob Riley, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh and multiple state legislators and lobbyists.
The prominent witness list was expected in the case centered on Hubbard’s actions as speaker of the house and his previous position as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his posts as speaker and party chairman to steer business to his companies, lobby the governor’s office and to solicit investments and clients for his businesses from people with business before the Alabama Legislature. Hubbard has maintained his innocence and argued that the transactions were legal and separate from his public duties.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin May 16. Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker has said he anticipates holding opening statements the following week.
However, Walker has said he will delay the trial only if appeals of pretrial rulings are pending. Hubbard has filed a petition with the Court of Criminal Appeals, but it was filed under seal, so the contents are unknown.
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