Gov. Robert Bentley resigned Monday, his power and popularity diminished by a sex scandal that staggered the state, brought him to the brink of impeachment and prompted a series of criminal investigations.
The former governor has agreed to surrender all campaign funds, a total of $36,000, within one week from today. Bentley has been sentenced to 12 months of unsupervised probation, though Judge Massey has agreed to terminate the probation early if plea requirements are met, one of which, is Bentley’s commitment to not seek public office. Bentley has also agreed to perform 100 hours of community service as a physician.
The former Attorney General and current Special Prosecutor Ellen Brooks has said that Bentley has also renounced his retirement benefits.
Brooks stated firmly, “No one is above the law, not even the governor.”
After his resignation announcement, Bentley said, “I can no longer allow my family, my friends, or my dear staff to be subjected to the consequences of my past actions…So thank you and goodbye, and I love this state from the bottom of my heart.”
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby released the following statement following the former governor’s resignation announcement:
“The American people’s trust in their government depends on the integrity and dignity of those in office, and it is clear that Alabamians have lost this in Governor Bentley.
As governor, Bentley was elected by the people of Alabama to the highest position of authority and should consequentially treat the office with the utmost respect. I believe he has made the right decision in offering his resignation.
“I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey in her new capacity as Governor of Alabama.”
