A former Randolph County Chief Deputy was sentenced to probation after reaching a plea agreement over 40 ethics charges.
William Lane was facing charges including using his office for personal gain, first-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a debit or credit card. He was first charged in February 2019.
The charges came after the Alabama Ethics Commission investigated and found a debit card for the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Rodeo Association was used by Lane for personal gain. That money was supposed to be used to purchase things such as equipment and vehicles for the sheriff’s office.
On August 27, former members of the association, Jeff Fuller, David Cofield, Andy Ethridge and Rodney Walker, signed a letter to the District Attorney’s office stating it no longer wanted to pursue a theft charge against Lane or seek restitution.
As part of the plea agreement, Lane pleaded guilty to three counts of using his office for personal gain; all other charges were dismissed. He was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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