By Assocaited Press
White Hall AL – White Hall Mayor John L. Jackson has been arrested for allegedly stealing $46,309 from the city, Attorney General Troy King announced Thursday.
Attorney General's Office obtained arrest warrants charging John L. Jackson, 59, with one count of first-degree theft and one ethics violation count.
Jackson's lawyer, Julian McPhillips, said a press conference addressing the charges will be held at his Montgomery office at 9 a.m. Friday.
"We adamantly deny these allegations and we'll vigorously defend the case," McPhillips said.
King's statement said the $46,309 was diverted from city services and that Jackson is accused of intentionally using his public office "for the personal gain of himself, a fmaily member, or a business with which he is associated."
He declined to release other details.
Jackson faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000 for each of the two class B felony counts if convicted. When an officeholder is convicted of a felony, the office is vacated from the time of conviction, according to state law.