Another prominent Alabama Republican lawmaker has been arrested on public corruption charges.
According to a release from U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin, Birmingham Rep. Jack Williams was arrested on federal bribery and wire fraud charges for his part in a scheme to push through legislation in the Alabama Legislature that benefitted a California diabetes care company, Trina Health.
Another state representative, former majority leader Mickey Hammon, has already been arrested for his role in the same scheme.
In addition to Hammon, lobbyist Marty Connors and Trina owner, Ford Gilbert, were also arrested on Monday.
The legislation in question would have forced Blue Cross/Blue Shield to cover specific diabetes treatments offered by Trina clinics — three of which were located in Alabama.
Franklin’s office is accusing Ford of making payments to Hammon to carry the bill and Connors and Williams of aiding the process even after learning of the illegal payments.
