Bessemer, Ala. city council member acquitted

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February 9, 2010

Anonymous The News Courier Tue Feb 09, 2010, 01:50 PM CST

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) — A Jefferson County jury has acquitted Bessemer City Councilwoman Louise Alexander on charges of solicitation of funds and using her office for personal gain.

The jury deliberated for nearly five hours before issuing its verdict Monday. The 49-year-old Alexander was charged in connection with three checks given to her by Tuscaloosa businessman Stan Pate.

Pate wrote the checks in 2006 and 2007. Two were made out to the city of Bessemer and one to Abrams Elementary School for a total of $17,775.

The checks were to support programs Alexander planned to honor students, teachers and senior citizens.

Pate contacted Attorney General Troy King’s office after he became concerned about how the checks were handled.

Alexander said she used the money for the purposes she told Pate they were for.

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