FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
August 22, 2014
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
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AG ANNOUNCES FELONY ETHICS CONVICTION
OF FORMER IDB CHAIRMAN IN ALBERTVILLE
(MONTGOMERY) -Attorney General Luther Strange announced the conviction
today of a former chairman of the Albertville Industrial Development Board for a felony
ethics violation. Roy Hugh Bruister, 68, of Albertville, pleaded guilty to an
“information” document filed in Marshall County Circuit Court this morning.
Bruister is required to pay a total of $205,084 that includes restitution, legal fees
and other expenses. He has made payments toward that amount, with a remaining
balance of approximately $38,577 as of August 1. He was sentenced to six years
imprisonment, which was split for him to serve nine months in the county jail followed
by a term of probation that is dependent upon meeting the terms of the sentencing.
Bruister also was ordered to pay court costs and a $100 fine to the Alabama Crime
Victims Compensation Fund.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Bruister used his official public
position as chairman of the Albertville IDB to take various amounts of currency and
checks drawn upon the IDB account at BancorpSouth Bank, which were payable to
himself or other individuals and businesses. Then, he either cashed the checks or
purchased cashier’s checks which he cashed or used to pay his personal bills, using his
position as a vice president at BancorpSouth Bank.
“This defendant committed a grave violation of his trust as a public official and
local business leader,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am pleased that the money is
being repaid but it is appropriate that this defendant also should serve time in jail. This
case should serve as a message to others that if they commit similar crimes, they will be
called to account and made to pay for their wrongdoing.”
Attorney General Strange commended those involved in bringing this case to a
successful conclusion, noting in particular Assistant Attorney General Bill Lisenby and
Special Agents of his Special Prosecutions Division.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
