By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Democratic state Sen. E.B. McClain of Midfield has decided not to wait until after the current legislative session ends to turn himself in to face a first-degree theft warrant.
McClain appeared with his attorney at the Jefferson County Jail late Thursday afternoon and was released on bond.
A warrant for McClain's arrest on a first-degree theft charge was issued last week, but prosecutors said they would allow the senator to turn himself in when the current session of the Legislature ends in May. McClain's attorney, John Robbins, said the senator decided to go ahead with addressing the charge.
The theft charge stems from a $65,000 state grant that went to a nonprofit group, the Community Resource Center. The founder of the group, the Rev. Sam Pettagrue, has also been charged.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)