Birmingham, AL – Former state Sen. E.B. McClain of Midfield is appealing his conviction on federal bribery, money laundering and fraud charges.
McClain's attorney, John Robbins, said the appeal challenges how the jury was selected for McClain's federal court trial and how he was tried with co-defendant Samuel Pettagrue. McClain wanted a separate trial. He also claims blacks were unfairly excluded from his jury, which included three blacks.
McClain is asking that he be allowed to remain free on bond while appealing his case. U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre has ordered him to report June 30 to begin serving his sentence of five years and 10 months.
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