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Under ethics investigation, State Sen. David Burkette resigns

David Burkette has resigned his Alabama Senate seat as part of a deal with prosecutors in an ethics investigation.

The Montgomery Democrat submitted a resignation letter to Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday afternoon, but he refused to reveal specifics to state media outlets. A source familiar with the investigation told APR that Burkette’s resignation is part of a deal that would reduce or eliminate any jail time.

“Governor Ivey is disappointed, but firmly supports the rule of law, and particularly in this situation where there has been a clear misuse of public trust,” said Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for Ivey’s office.

Attempts by APR to reach Burkette late Tuesday were unsuccessful, but he told Alabama Daily News that he couldn’t speak about his conversations with prosecutors because of a confidentiality agreement.

Burkette has been the focus of an ethics investigation for more than a year. A complaint filed against Burkette nearly two years ago alleged that while serving on the Montgomery City Council, Burkette directed tens of thousands of dollars in council discretionary funds to suspect charities and also directed funds to his wife’s sorority.

The Alabama Ethics Commission ruled 4-0 last October to refer allegations against Burkette for prosecution. At the time, Montgomery District Attorney Daryl Bailey said the Alabama Attorney General’s Office would handle the investigation.

It is unclear if Burkette’s current plea deal is limited to only those allegations.

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Burkette’s resignation is a disappointing conclusion to a Senate tenure he fought hard to get. Vying for a seat vacated by former State Sen. Quinton Ross, who left to become president at Alabama State University, Burkette won 11 races over the course of six months, beating out longtime State Rep. John Knight in most of them.

Josh Moon is an investigative reporter and featured columnist at the Alabama Political Reporter with years of political reporting experience in Alabama. You can email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter.

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