Supernumerary District Attorney Ellen Brooks announced Monday that Bentley “pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges: failing to file a major contribution report, in violation of Code of Alabama §17-5-8.1(c); and knowingly converting campaign contributions to personal use, in violation of Code of Alabama §36-25-6.” She added, “He has resigned from office.”
The Associated Press describes the scene as the plea agreement was signed:
“Bentley appeared sullen and looked down at the floor during the Monday afternoon session. …
“The agreement specifies that Bentley must surrender campaign funds totaling $36,912 within a week and perform 100 hours of community service as a physician. He also cannot seek public office again.”
The governor, a Republican, was briefly booked into Montgomery jail, according to local media reports, before heading to the state Capitol to announce his resignation.
Republican state Rep. Ed Henry, who had introduced articles of impeachment against Bentley last year, said, “I think we have a great day for Alabama, where justice was done. Corruption was spotted, recognized and dealt with. … even though it was slower and little more painful than we had anticipated.”
Bentley had vowed as recently as Friday not to resign, saying he had done nothing illegal.
But the state Supreme Court decided to allow Alabama legislators to pursue impeachment hearings against Bentley, and calls for his resignation had been growing.