Robert Bentley, others subpoenaed in impeachment investigation

Alabama’s House Judiciary Committee issued subpoenas to Governor Robert Bentley, his former top aide Rebekah Mason, among others as part of an ongoing impeachment investigation against the governor on Thursday.

The subpoenas were issued by Alabama House of Representatives Clerk Jeff Woodard after special counsel Jack Sharman claimed he wasn’t getting voluntarily cooperation.

“The office of the governor has flatly, adamantly and in every way possible made clear they are not going to cooperate,” Sharman told the committee. “The same thing is true of every other person and entity on that list I provided you.”

The following were issued subpoenas:

• Robert Bentley, individually and as Governor
• Bentley for Governor, Inc.
• Michael H. Echols
• Jonathan Mason
• Rebekah Mason
• Alabama Council for Excellent Government
• JRM Enterprises, Inc.
• RCM Communications, Inc.

The subpoenaed documents also include five years of the governor’s tax returns, bank records, personnel records, cellphone records, text messages and other communications with Rebekah Mason, Jon Mason, Spencer Collier, Stan Stabler, Ray Lewis and Cooper Shattuck, as well as any government payments to companies belonging to Mason and her husband.

“These individuals and corporations have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016, to deliver the requested documentation to the special counsel,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman and Andalusia-Republican Rep. Mike Jones in a statement. “If they fail to comply, we will take appropriate action.”

Bentley still maintains his innocence, claiming he has not broken any laws or done anything that would warrant impeachment.