From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE –Former Trussville fire chief Russell Ledbetter has been arrested on state ethics and theft charges, according to Jefferson County jail records.
Former Trussville fire chief Russell Ledbetter was arrested on theft and ethics charges.
Photo via Jefferson County Jail
Ledbetter was arrested Monday night and booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 8:51 p.m. He was released after posting bond at 9:52 p.m.
Sources said Ledbetter turned himself in. His bonds totaled $90.000.
The arrest comes after an extensive investigation by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Ledbetter is charged with two counts of first degree auto theft and sale, 3 counts of ethics violations, and one count of an overweight vehicle.
Related Story: State agents conduct operation at Ledbetter residence
Related Story: Ledbetter placed on administrative leave
Related Story: Fire chief Russell Ledbetter submits resignation
Related Story: Trussville forwards investigation to ABI
“I was notified of the charges and the arrest early this morning,” Trussville mayor Buddy Choat said. “This investigation began under the previous administration when I was on the city council and continued under the current administration. We’ll just let the justice system run it’s course.”
Ledbetter had been placed on paid administrative leave by the city council on September 27, 2016 and information was turned over to the state ethics commission. After the ethics commission allowed the time allocated for charges to expire, the ABI picked up the case at the urging of the current city administration.
Ledbetter resigned his position on Novermber 3 of 2016.
This is a breaking story and wll be updated as more information becomes available.
