Dem Lawmaker Arrested on Felony Charges

An Alabama Democratic legislator is facing legal issues.

WSFA-TV in Montgomery reports that state Representative Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence was arrested on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old Democrat faces two felony charges: second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, according to the report.

The indictment accuses Lawrence of having “intent to defraud, falsely made, completed, or altered a builder’s license,” as stated by the Alabama attorney general’s office.

WPMI-TV in Mobile indicates that these two charges are Class C felonies, which means the lawmaker could be looking at up to 20 years in prison.

Furthermore, state law mandates that any elected official convicted of a felony is automatically removed from office, according to WSFA.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter issued a statement in response to Lawrence’s arrest.

“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,” Ledbetter, a Republican, stated, according to WSFA. “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 added.

Lawrence declined to comment when approached by AL.com but mentioned he would make a public statement soon.

The indictment, which has yet to be made public, charges state Representative Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence with using a falsely made, completed, or altered builder’s license with intent to defraud. No further details were disclosed.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that the state’s Special Prosecutions Division is handling the case.

The story has sparked numerous comments on social media.

“Prosecute to the full extent of the law,” one user wrote on X. “Enough of their BS that no one is above the law. Prove it.”

“As an Alabama resident I am outraged at this entitled behavior,” another commented.

“Good. People like this are tainting the only system we have to keep us quasi-civilized,” said another user.

“Our politicians believe they’re untouchable and can do whatever the hell they want. They no longer serve the people, they serve themselves,” another post read.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lawrence’s first election to the Legislature.