State Rep. Jack Williams denies wrongdoing amid federal bribery charges

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Jack Williams

Longtime lawmaker, Vestavia Hills-Republican State Rep. Jack Williams, who was arrested Monday on federal bribery charges, released a statement Tuesday afternoon denying any wrongdoing and claiming his innocence.

“I have done nothing wrong, and once the facts are presented, I expect to be found innocent by a jury of all the allegations outlined in Monday’s indictment,” Williams said in the statement.

Williams was arrested Monday along with former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Martin “Marty” Connors, along with a California-based health care executive G. Ford Gilbert. 

If convicted, the men face up to 20 years in prison.

Huntsville, Ala. attorney Jake Watson announced he is representing Williams in the trial. Watson also released a statement saying Williams will continue his campaign for the Jefferson County Commission, District 5, despite the charges against him.

“Mr. Williams absolutely denies any wrong doing of any sort and has full faith in the judicial process and looks forward to presenting his side of the story in the courtroom, rather than the media,” Watson said. “The courtroom is the proper place to present evidence and testimony supporting his innocence.”

Read Williams’ full statement below:

I have done nothing wrong, and once the facts are presented, I expect to be found innocent by a jury of all the allegations outlined in Monday’s indictment. I trust our judicial system and our electoral system; they have both protected individual rights for hundreds of years.

I have served honorably in the legislature for over a decade and will continue to do so until my term expires. I also will push forth with my campaign for Jefferson County Commission.

This statement is all I will say about the topic until I have my constitutionally-guaranteed day in court.

Read William’s attorney’s statement in full:

I am representing Jack D. Williams against allegations made in the federal indictment from the Middle District of Alabama. Mr. Williams absolutely denies any wrong doing of any sort and has full faith in the judicial process and looks forward to presenting his side of the story in the court, rather than the media. The courtroom is the proper place to present evidence and testimony supporting his evidence. Mr. Williams will continue to represent his district in the State House and will continue to campaign for Jefferson County Commission, District 5.