The Latest: Bentley removes Collier as law enforcement chief

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Latest on the investigation at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. (6:54 p.m.)

7:05 p.m.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has announced that he is terminating Spencer Collier as the head of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Bentley made the announcement Tuesday night. The decision came hours after the acting head of ALEA says there was an ongoing investigation into the possible misuse of state funds within the agency.

Bentley, in a statement, said he was disappointed to “learn these facts.” In the statement, the governor also called Collier a friend and said he appreciated his service to ALEA.

The governor placed Collier on medical leave in February, citing an upcoming surgery.

___

1 p.m.

The acting head of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says there’s an ongoing investigation into the possible misuse of state funds within the agency.

Acting Secretary Stan Stabler said in a statement Tuesday the agency’s Integrity Unit found multiple concerns during an internal review of operations. He says that includes a possible misuse of state funds.

The statement doesn’t elaborate. But Stabler says the findings have been submitted to the Alabama attorney general’s office for further action.

Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Stabler as acting secretary of law enforcement on Feb. 17. The appointment came after Bentley placed Secretary Spencer Collier on medical leave for three months citing an upcoming surgery.

Stabler on March 1 ordered an internal review of the operations, policies and procedures at the department.