Former State Representative Will Dismukes will not go to prison
Former State Representative Will Dismukes was sentenced on Monday, July 17, on theft charges. The Prattville Republican was convicted on a first-degree theft of property charge. The jury also found Dismukes guilty of two aggravating factors which would have allowed Judge Brooke Reid to sentence the former lawmaker to prison. Instead, Reid showed mercy to the non-violent, first-time offender and sentenced Dismukes to five years of community corrections and two years of probation. He was also ordered to pay $43,691.75 in restitution. Dismukes expressed his gratitude that he could spend Monday night at home with his wife and family rather than in jail but steadfastly maintained his innocence. Judge Reid chastised him for not taking any responsibility. Dismukes’ sentencing was scheduled for May 4 but was moved to July 17 after Dismukes’ father committed suicide after his son’s conviction. Dismukes was found guilty by a Montgomery County jury of stealing thousands of dollars from his former employer, Weiss Commercial Flooring. The jury found Dismukes guilty of working for Weiss and then taking money, tools, and materials belonging to Weiss to start his own custom flooring company – before his political career. None of the charges against Dismukes were related to public corruption or his tenure representing House District 88 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Dismukes was a pastor and businessman in Prattville when he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018. Dismukes ran for re-election in 2022 despite being indicted for the theft charges. He lost the Republican primary to Jerry Starnes 62 to 38%. Starnes subsequently won the general election. Had Dismukes been currently serving in the Legislature, the felony conviction would have created a vacancy. Dismukes two sisters asked the court not to consider their father’s suicide as grounds for showing leniency to the younger Dismukes. They blame Will for the suicide of their father. The two had had words earlier that day because the elder Dismukes testified against Will during his trial. Will Dismukes’ officiating at a Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest birthday celebration in Selma while he was a state legislator drew state and national headlines. He had to resign his position as pastor of a Prattville Church over criticism of that incident. If Dismukes fails to live up to the terms of his probation, he will be sent to prison to begin serving his 20-year sentence – the maximum sentence under Alabama law for this offense. Dismukes expressed confidence that the conviction will be overturned on appeal to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Former State Representative Will Dismukes to be sentenced today
Former State Representative Will Dismukes is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, July 17, on theft charges. The Prattville Republican was convicted on a first-degree theft of property charge. The jury also found Dismukes guilty of two aggravating factors, which will permit Judge Brooke Reid to sentence the former lawmaker to prison. Dismukes’ sentencing was scheduled for May 4 but was moved to July 17 after Dismukes’ father committed suicide in the aftermath of his son’s conviction. Dismukes was found guilty by a Montgomery County jury of stealing thousands of dollars from his former employer, Weiss Commercial Flooring. Prosecutors accused Dismukes of working for Weiss and then taking money, tools, and materials belonging to Weiss in order to start his own custom flooring company. None of the charges against Dismukes were related to public corruption or his tenure representing House District 88 in the Alabama House of Representatives. “I am very pleased with the jury’s conviction in this case,” said District Attorney Darrell Bailey. “Dismukes thievery cost a local business thousands of dollars in stolen revenue. This is the first time in history that a Montgomery jury has found an aggravator in a theft case. Because of this, my office will be seeking significant prison time for Mr. Dismukes.” Dismukes has steadfastly maintained his innocence and has vowed to appeal the conviction. Dismukes was a pastor and businessman in Prattville when he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018. The young legislator appeared to be one of the Alabama Republican Party’s rising stars. He even announced that he was running for Congress in Alabama’s Second Congressional District before ultimately dropping out of the race and endorsing GOP rival Jessica Taylor. Dismukes drew statewide criticism for speaking at a birthday celebration in Selma for Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest while former Congressman John Lewis’s body was lying-in-state in his native Selma. The Forest birthday celebration is an annual event in Selma and was scheduled before Congressman Lewis passed. Forest, who became wealthy as a slave trader before the Civil War and his rise to Confederate general, is believed by most historians to have become the first head of the Ku Klux Klan during the turbulent Reconstruction years following the Civil War. Dismukes was the Chaplain for his local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter. The event and Dismukes’ participation in it likely would have gone unnoticed, except Dismukes posted about it on his social media. Under the circumstances, most observers statewide and nationally felt that the Forest birthday event should not have been held that year. Both Democrats and some Republicans called on Dismukes to resign from the Legislature. Dismukes was forced to resign as pastor at his church after the Forest scandal. Following the Forest controversy, it was announced that there was an investigation into Dismukes’ alleged theft from Weiss. Dismukes was indicted before the 2022 election. Despite this, Dismukes ran for re-election in 2022 but lost the Republican primary to Jerry Starnes 62 to 38%. Starnes subsequently won the general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Former State Representative Will Dismukes convicted on theft charges
On Friday, a Montgomery County jury found former Alabama state Representative Will Dismukes guilty of first-degree theft of property charges. The jury found former Rep. Dismukes guilty of stealing from his former employer, Weiss Commercial Flooring. Dismukes was also found guilty of two aggravating factors, which could lead the first-time offender to spend time in prison when sentenced. “I am very pleased with the jury’s conviction in this case,” Montgomery DA Daryl Bailey told reporters. Dismukes thievery cost a local business thousands of dollars in stolen revenue. This is the first time in history that a Montgomery jury has found an aggravator in a theft case. Because of this, my office will be seeking significant prison time for Mr. Dismukes,” Bailey said. Dismukes, a Republican, represented Elmore and Autauga Counties in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022. Dismukes lost his bid for re-election in the 2022 Republican primary to Jerry Starnes. Dismukes broke away from Wiess Commercial Flooring and started his own flooring business. The accusations against Dismukes were leveled by his former employers. Dismukes was indicted by a Montgomery grand jury in June 2021. Dismukes was a pastor of a Prattville Church but resigned after he was criticized for attending a birthday celebration in Selma for Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest while former Congressman John Lewis’s (D-Selma) body was lying-in-state in his native Selma. Forest, who became wealthy as a slave trader, headed the Ku Klux Klan following the Civil War. Dismukes was the Chaplain for his local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter. Dismukes, although one of the youngest members of the Legislature at the time, once collapsed on the floor of the House during his tenure in the body. Dismukes was a 2020 Republican candidate for Congress in Alabama’s Second Congressional District but dropped out of the race and endorsed Jessica Taylor. He also endorsed John Merrill for U.S. Senate. Merrill dropped out of the Senate race when Jeff Sessions entered the 2020 GOP primary field, while Taylor finished third in the GOP primary for Congress. Prosecutors claimed that Dismukes stole thousands of dollars in building materials and tools from Weiss and cashed checks that should have gone to his then-employer. Dismukes testified in his own defense in his trial saying that he did not steal but rather said that he “double-dipped.” Montgomery Judge Brooke Reid will hold a sentencing hearing for Dismukes on May 4th, 2023. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Several Alabama legislators lose to primary challengers
At least six members of the Alabama Legislature lost to primary challengers on Tuesday, according to unofficial returns, and several races are yet to be decided. In one of the tightest races, Republican Sen. Tom Whatley of Auburn is trailing challenger Jay Hovey by four votes, according to unofficial returns. Provisional ballots will be counted next week. Hovey is a member of the Auburn City Council. In the House of Representatives, Rep. Will Dismukes of Prattville lost to challenger Jerry Starnes. His defeat came after a series of political and legal troubles. Dismukes had faced calls for his resignation in 2020 after participating in a celebration marking the birthday of Nathan Bedford Forrest — the Confederate general who was also an early Ku Klux Klan leader. He also faced a theft charge related to a dispute with a former employer. Other incumbent defeats, according to unofficial returns, included: — Republican Rep. Joe Faust of Fairhope, a 20-year veteran of the House was defeated by Jennifer Fidler. — Republican Rep. Dickie Drake of Leeds was defeated by Susan DuBose. — Republican Rep. Tommy Hanes of Bryant was defeated by Mike Kirkland. — Republican Rep. Proncey Robertson of Mount Hope was defeated by Ernie Yarbrough. — Democratic Rep. Ralph Howard of Greensboro was defeated by Curtis Travis. Republican Rep. Gill Isbell of Gadsden is trailing challenger Mack Butler, who previously served in the Legislature. But the race is caught in a mix-up where some voters got ballots with the wrong House district. Secretary of State John Merrill said they did not know how many voters were affected. Democratic Rep. Rod Scott of Fairfield was forced into a runoff with a challenger. In another notable contest, House Rules Chair Mike Jones, one of the most influential members in the House of Representatives, appears to have lost to Coffee County Commissioner Josh Carnley in his bid to join the Alabama Senate. Unofficial returns showed Carnley avoiding a runoff with Jones by a margin of about 50 votes. The two are seeking the GOP nomination for the state Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jimmy Holley. Former longtime state Sen. Hank Sanders of Selma will go to a runoff with Robert L. Stewart for the Democratic nomination for District 23. Sanders represented the district from 1982 to 2018. His daughter, Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, won the seat in 2018 but is leaving the state Senate to run for governor. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
The NRA Political Victory Fund announces primary endorsements
The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has announced its endorsements for the May 24 primary in Alabama. The NRA-PVF is NRA’s political action committee. The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates – irrespective of party affiliation – based on voting records, public statements, and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire. Mo Brooks received the endorsement and A rating for the U.S. Senate seat and incumbent Rep. Mike Rogers got an A rating and was endorsed for the U.S. House of Representatives. For the governor’s race, the group gave an A rating and endorsement to incumbent Kay Ivey. Incumbents continued to take the top spots in the Attorney General, State Senate, and House of Representatives elections. AG Steve Marshall received an A rating along with incumbent State Senators Tim Melson (Dist. 1), Tom Butler (Dist. 2), Steve Livingston (Dist. 8), Randy Price (Dist. 13), Dan Roberts (Dist. 15), Shay Shelnutt (Dist.17), Tom Whatley (Dist. 27), and Mike Jones (Dist.31). For the State House of Reps., the following incumbents received an A rating and endorsement: Phillip Pettus (Dist. 1), Parker Moore (Dist. 4), Proncey Robertson (Dist. 7), Tim Wadsworth (Dist. 14), Tommy Hanes (Dist. 23), Nathaniel Ledbetter (Dist. 24), Gil Isbell (Dist. 28), Debbie Wood (Dist. 38), Ginny Shaver (Dist. 39), Dickie Drake (Dist. 45), Jim Carnes (Dist. 48), Brent Easterbrook (Dist. 65), Jeff Sorrells (Dist. 87), Will Dismukes (Dist. 88), Rhett Marques (Dist. 91), and Matt Simpson (Dist. 96). State House of Rep. candidates that are not incumbents that received an A rating and an endorsement include Michael Hart (Dist. 49) and Troy Stubbs (Dist. 31). For the Sheriff’s elections, the following candidates received an A rating and endorsement: Max Sanders (Lawrence County), Joshua McLaughlin (Limestone County), Eric Balentine (Colbert County), and Matt Gentry (Cullman County).
Embattled Rep. Will Dismukes won’t seek re-election
State Rep. Will Dismukes announced he will not seek re-election to a second term. The Prattville resident said he would serve out his term, the Montgomery Advertiser reported. Dismukes stated, “I want to thank the people of Autauga and Elmore county for supporting me through four years as their representative. I have three small children, and it’s time for me to give all my focus to my family and my business.” “The Lord will let me know when it’s time to once again get involved in public service in some capacity. I want to thank my family for the sacrifice they have given in my time as representative. To serve the people of District 88 has been the honor of a lifetime,” Dismukes concluded. In July 2020, photos were posted on social media showing Dismukes attending a celebration for Nathan Bedford Forrest, a leader in the Confederate Army and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. He resigned as a pastor of a Prattville church following the controversy. The following month, Dismukes was arrested for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a flooring company where he once worked. Dismukes has pleaded not guilty to the charges. “My attorney, family, and I all feel confident in the way my case is moving, and I will give more comment at a future time when I can,” he stated. The Legislature begins its session on January 11.
State Representative Will Dismukes released from hospital after scare in House
An Alabama lawmaker is recovering at home following his release from a hospital where he was taken after being carried off the House floor on a stretcher. State Rep. Will Dismukes, a Republican from Prattville, was transported to a hospital Thursday after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains. “I feel great,” he told The Montgomery Advertiser in a phone interview on the trip back to Prattville on Friday. “I had a case of AFib (atrial fibrillation) that they were able to address and handle with no major or permanent damage. I still have some tests to take in the next week or so. I’m going to do what my cardiologist tells me to do and plan to be back when the session returns on Tuesday.” Dismukes, who is in his early 30s, said his heart was out of rhythm. He survived a stroke in 2012 when he was attending Faulkner University. He told the newspaper he’s grateful for the support of those who reached out over the past two days. “I just want to thank everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement to me and my family,” he said. “It is very much appreciated and made a difficult time easier.” Dismukes’ political journey has not come without controversy. He resigned as a pastor at an Autauga County church in July after photos posted to social media sites showed him giving the invocation for a celebration event held for Nathan Bedford Forrest, a leader in the Confederate Army and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. The event occurred as Troy native and longtime Georgia Congressman John Lewis was being remembered in Selma before being given the honor of lying in state at the Alabama Capitol. Dismukes later said he was surprised by the controversy, which drew the ire of members of his own party, and said he didn’t make the connection between Lewis and the Forrest event. In August, Dismukes was arrested on a felony theft charge, accused of stealing money from his former employer over the course of two years. That case is pending. Dismukes has maintained his innocence and refused to resign his seat in the Legislature after calls for his resignation. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Hearing next month for State Rep. Will Dismukes, accused of theft
Dismukes was arrested Aug. 6 for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the flooring company where he once worked.
Lawyer: State Rep. Will Dismukes maintains innocence
Montgomery District Attorney Daryl Bailey said the business made a complaint on May 20.
State Rep. Will Dismukes facing theft charges from former workplace
Dismukes has recently faced sharp criticism, including a call to resign, for participating in a celebration marking the birthday of a Confederate general who was also an early Ku Klux Klan leader.
Will Dismukes resigns as pastor after celebrating KKK leader
Rep. Will Dismukes resigned as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Prattville.
Chris Elliott: There’s still work to be done
Chris Elliott takes issue with Will Dismukes’ controversial Facebook post from earlier this week.
