According to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office, State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville) was arrested today on two felony charges.
“Lawrence, 50, a resident of Lowndes County, was charged with forgery in the second degree and with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. The indictment alleges that Lawrence, with the intent to defraud, falsely made, completed, or altered a builder’s license. Both forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument are Class C felonies punishable by 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison.”
The case is being prosecuted by the special prosecutions division, according to the Attorney General’s office. No further information about the investigation or about Lawrence’s alleged crimes may be released at this time, the office added.
Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter released a statement on Tuesday to say, “I expect members of the Alabama House of Representatives to hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity in both their personal and professional lives.”
“Rep. Kelvin Lawrence’s indictment presents an unfortunate situation for his constituents and colleagues alike. I have full confidence in our justice system’s ability to assess the facts of this case and determine an appropriate course of action,” Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said.
Lawrence was elected to House District 69 district in 2014. He also previously served as the Mayor of Hayneville. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270