(MONTGOMERY)—Acting as Attorney General in this matter, W. Van Davis announced the arrest and conviction today of Gregory David Wren, a former representative from the 75th District in the Alabama House of Representatives, for violating the Alabama Ethics Law. Wren, 59, of Montgomery pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement before Judge Jimmy B. Pool in Montgomery County District Court. Wren also resigned his position in the House of Representatives as part of his plea agreement with the State.
Acting Attorney General Davis is a supernumerary district attorney who was appointed by Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to handle matters regarding an ongoing investigation involving potential public corruption in Alabama. Wren’s guilty plea to a state ethics law violation arises out of that matter.
Today, Wren pleaded guilty to knowingly using his office for personal gain, a class A misdemeanor. Specifically, Wren used his office as a member of the Alabama Legislature to obtain confidential information, which was not available to the general public. Wren further provided that information to a private company, RxAlly, a national company that previously represented the interests of member pharmacies. Wren obtained personal gain for himself through $24,000.00 in payments from RxAlly.
Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Wren was given a 12-month sentence, which was suspended, and he was placed on probation for two years. Wren was further ordered to pay $24,000.00 in restitution to the State of Alabama.
“Citizens of the State of Alabama are entitled to the honest services of those who hold public office,” said Acting Attorney General Davis. “Public servants who violate their oath of office in order to achieve personal gain should expect to be held accountable. Several months ago, I was appointed as Acting Attorney General in a matter involving alleged corruption at high levels of state government. Former Representative Wren’s guilty plea, negotiated in light of his acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the State, marks a significant point in the ongoing investigation. We will continue to enforce the laws of the State of Alabama vigorously and professionally without regard to political affiliation or position.”
Acting Attorney General Davis thanked Attorney General Strange for providing him with the resources necessary to conduct the investigation, “I appreciate the resources that Attorney General Strange has put at my disposal to conduct this investigation. Without the capabilities and skills organic to the Special Prosecutions Division, it would be very difficult to achieve justice in such a complex and challenging case.”
No additional comment will be available at this time.
