Fmr. Elmore Co. Commissioner Joe Faulk convicted of felony ethics law violation
Attorney General Luther Strange announced the conviction of former Elmore County Commissioner Joe Faulk for a felony ethics law violation on Thursday. Faulk was charged October 25 and pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon in Elmore County Circuit Court to intentionally using his office for personal gain. According to a plea agreement, he agreed to resign from his office, to plead guilty to the felony ethics violation, and to cooperate with the State in its ongoing criminal investigation into related matters. His charge stems from 2011 during his time as County Commissioner when he entered into a contract with Coast2Coast, a company which distributes pharmacy discount cards. Faulk was tasked with acquiring marketing contracts with county commissions across Alabama, in return for a commission each time a customer used the card to fill a prescription. He subsequently promoted the program to other county commissions without disclosing his personal financial interest Faulk received commissions from his Coast2Coast contract totaling $63,651 between October 2011 and July 2016. The contract has since been terminated. “The facts are clear that this defendant abused his public trust by using his position as an Elmore County Commissioner for his own financial gain,” said Attorney General Strange. “As a public servant, he betrayed his obligation to honor the best interests of citizens and not to use his office for personal enrichment.” A date for sentencing has yet to be set, but the punishment for the Class B felony is two to 20 years in prison. Governor Robert Bentley is expected to appoint a someone to serve the remainder of Faulk’s term in the near future.
Elmore County Commissioner Joe Faulk arrested on felony ethics charge
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed Tuesday that County Commissioner Joe Faulk has been charged with felony ethics violations. According to Franklin, Faulk was arrested Tuesday morning, booked at Elmore County Jail and later released on $5,000 bond. Franklin explained Faulk was charged with using his public office for personal gain, but did not share further details of the arrest. Faulk was first elected to the county commission in November 2000. Prior to that he served as a Millbrook city councilman from 1994 to 2000 and served as mayor pro tem from 1996 to 2000.
