BRADENTON, Fla. - Former Alabama House of Representatives speaker Mike Hubbard was sentenced Friday to four years in prison on 12 felony corruption charges stemming from his role as a legislator.
Hubbard, 54, was convicted by a jury June 10 on charges related to using his position for personal gain.
The charges related to voting on legislation to benefit business clients, receiving money through consulting contracts from those clients, lobbying for clients, and soliciting money for investments in Craftmasters Printers, a printing firm co-owned by Hubbard.
Circuit Judge Jacob Walker ordered Hubbard, a Republican, to spend eight years on probation after he is released from prison. He must also pay a $210,000 fine.
His conviction led to immediate removal from office. The Legislature subsequently removed his name from its website.
In response to Hubbard's sentence, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange issued a statement saying that the corruption case marked a turning point for the state.
"No longer can elected officials expect to disregard our laws and not pay a penalty," Strange said.
Strange recused himself from the state's prosecution team last year because he used Craftmasters during his campaign.
In response to Hubbard's conviction last month, Alabama GOP Chairman Terry Lathan said the party was "both deeply disappointed one of our leaders abused the trust placed in him and grateful that the rule of law has prevailed."
Hubbard presided over the House of Representatives during two sessions since his indictment in October 2014. He has been speaker since 2010, and served in the House since 1998.
