Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ex-Gov. Bentley settles fired official's lawsuit

Governor Robert Bentley
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who resigned amid a scandal, has reached a settlement agreement to end a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by his one-time law enforcement secretary who had publicly accused the governor of having an affair with an aide, lawyers confirmed Thursday.

Former Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier sued Bentley in 2016 arguing the governor wrongfully fired him and then tried to discredit him with statements and a sham state investigation accusing him of misusing office resources.

Lawyers for Collier and Bentley both confirmed the settlement agreement Thursday. Kenny Mendelsohn, an attorney for Collier, said the terms are confidential.

Collier said Thursday that he considered the settlement "another sign of vindication," along with a previous review by the attorney general's office that found he did nothing wrong.

"I think the people of Alabama understand what the settlement means and it speaks volumes," Collier said.

Bentley attorney John Neiman confirmed a settlement was reached, but said it was not an admission of wrongdoing or liability by the former governor.

"My clients continue to deny the allegations against them," said Neiman, who represents others sued by Collier.

A day after being fired, Collier publicly accused Bentley of having an inappropriate relationship with an aide. The scandal later engulfed Bentley who resigned and pleaded to misdemeanor campaign finance charges. Bentley acknowledged making personal mistakes, but denied having a sexual affair.

Collier and Bentley were friends when they served together in the Alabama House of Representatives. Bentley appointed Collier, a former state trooper as his law enforcement chief, after winning the governor's office. Collier served in the Bentley administration until he was dismissed by Bentley.

"I am ready to put the whole Bentley episode behind me," Collier said. He apologized for having asked anyone to vote for Bentley.

Collier said he plans to run for public office again and is considering a bid for Congress.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
Related Content
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.