Troy’s in the news again.
Bessemer Circuit Judge Dan King turned himself in this morning after being charged with 56 counts of tax, ethics and election law violations, Alabama Attorney General Troy King [no relation, we hope -- that could make for tense family holidays] said today.
…”When a judge is indicted for dozens of felony charges, and is alleged to have violated the laws he swore to uphold, it is extremely serious and deeply disturbing,” said Troy King. “The people of Bessemer, and citizens throughout our state, rightfully expect complete honesty from those who are responsible for delivering justice in our courts. When evidence indicates that public officials have broken the law — regardless of their position — the Office of Attorney General will vigorously pursue justice for the people of Alabama.”
Dan King has been charged with:
Two counts of income tax evasion by filing a false tax return for the years 2003 and 2004. Two counts of making a false statement regarding those tax returns.
Two counts of violating the campaign finance law by failing to disclose actual cash assets, contributions and expenditures in 2004 and 2005.
25 counts of misusing campaign contributions by depositing checks in his personal account and using the funds to make payment on a personal loan. 25 counts of violating the state ethics law by using campaign funds for personal use.
I’m all for prosecuting public corruption, but it seems like the Boy AG has been raising his profile even more than usual lately. He just took a murder case away from the Bibb County DA last week, ignoring objections of both sides, and now this. Mac at War Liberal says the grand jury was given just 30 minutes to review and discuss the 56-count indictment.
And here’s another interesting thing: recently acquitted state investigator Anthony Castaldo, who accused King’s office of prosecuting him for perjury because he wouldn’t provide oppo information against his former boss John Tyson, was part of the preliminary investigation of Judge King. (Wheeler has the details on the Castaldo story here.)
This could get interesting.