Gov. Guy Hunt was ousted from office Thursday after being convicted of looting $200,000 from his inaugural fund to pay personal debts and buy items such as a marble shower stall.
Hunt, appearing stunned but dry-eyed, moved through the courtroom hugging weeping supporters after the verdict was announced. The jury deliberated only about two hours over two days in reaching the verdict.His conviction automatically elevated Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom to the governor's office that his father, the late Gov. James E. "Big Jim" Folsom, once held. The 59-year-old Hunt, Alabama's first Republican governor since Recon-struc-tion, is in his second term. He was accused of illegally using inaugural fund money, raised by tax-deductible donations, to buy items such as cattle and furniture and pay off personal debts and taxes.
Hunt, a Primitive Baptist preacher and farmer from north Alabama, had said he properly used the money to reimburse himself for campaign loans and
relied on advice from lawyers and accountants.
Hunt could face up to 10 years in prison on the ethics charge. A pre-sentencing hearing was set for May 7.
Hunt is the first Alabama governor ever removed from office on a felony conviction.
"It was a complicated case and hard for the jury to unravel. I feel like I'm totally innocent," said Hunt. "Right now we're going over to the mansion with our family and friends and have prayer."
He promised an orderly transition of power.
Hunt attorney George Beck said he did not know how quickly an appeal may be filed. By law, Hunt is automatically removed from office, but he would be restored to office if the verdict is overturned on appeal.
His wife, Helen, fought back tears and said she would "stand by his side like I always have." Supporters shouted "We love you!" as the silver-haired Hunt moved through a mob of reporters and television cameras in the courthouse.