From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday afternoon that former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes pleaded guilty to two felony counts of an indictment being tried before specially-appointed Lee County Circuit Judge Pamela Baschab.
Hughes’ plea of guilty came on the second day of testimony during his trial. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Hughes has agreed to a three-year sentence for both counts, split to serve ten months in jail. Additionally, Hughes will be required to pay back the Lee County District Attorney’s Fund $14,000 in legal fees related to the use of his public office for personal gain and to pay restitution to a Chambers County business related to a dismissed charge.
While Hughes previously had been suspended from office as a result of his indictment, the court’s acceptance of his plea of guilty caused his removal from office as a matter of law.