Alabama state Rep. Kelvin Lawrence won’t be left to face criminal charges standing alone.
On Wednesday, Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels released a statement of support for Lawrence, and made it clear that he would be standing with Lawrence as he faces two felony charges for second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.
“I’ve served with Rep. Lawrence for 10 years,” Daniels said in the statement. “I know the great things he has done for the people of his district. I know him to be a good man and he deserves our support. We should not pass judgment on him until all the facts are known. He’s a man of faith and good character and I stand by my friend.”
Neither Lawrence, D-Hayneville, nor his attorneys have offered public comments on his arrest. A source familiar with the case told APR that the charges stem from an incident involving obtaining a specific building licensing for a bid job. The source also said Lawrence did not personally benefit from the incident in question and that he has cooperated with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office since the initial complaint was filed.
The AG’s Office press release stated that Lawrence has been charged with two class-C felonies. He would be forced to resign from the Legislature if convicted of a felony.
Lawrence has served in the House since 2014 and was the previous mayor of Hayneville.
