Ethics Commission Investigating Eutaw Officials

Eutaw Mayor LaTasha Johnson has confirmed that the entire Eutaw City Council and herself are under investigation by the Alabama Ethics Commission for potential violations of the Alabama Ethics Rules.

The council is comprised of Valerie Watkins (District 1), LaJeffrey Carpenter (District 2), Tracey Hunter (District 3), Larrie Coleman (District 4), and Jacqueline Stewart (District 5).

Johnson says the investigation involves the way the mayor and council used $600.00 in per diem that was available to them for travel expenses. An unidentified employee with the commission did say the ethics violations do not appear to be major. However, they did say the state is specific in how per diem is made available and claims are reported.

Travel law is established in Code of Alabama, Title 36-7-20 through 36-7-25 and additional travel policies are written in the State Fiscal Policy and Procedures Manual.

Per diem is available to government employees on the state and local levels for justifiable travel expenses while on government business including meetings, conferences and training.

According to the commission's complaint process, the Alabama Ethics Commission must receive a written and signed complaint which sets forth in detail the specific charges against a respondent, and the factual allegations which support such charges. The Commission then has 180 days to determine whether probable cause exists. An extension of an additional 180 days may be granted.

The Ethics Commission does not reveal how long an investigation might take or specifics of an ongoing investigation. We do know that the next Ethics Commission meeting is set for October 2 on the 1st floor in the Personnel Hearing Room of the Folsom Building in Montgomery. The last meeting of the year for the board is scheduled for December 4 in the same location.