State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence has been charged with forgery and possession of a forged instrument

On Tuesday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) announced that state Representative Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence (D-Hayneville) was arrested on two felony charges.

Rep. Lawrence is age 50 and a resident of Hayneville in Lowndes County. He is the former Mayor of Hayneville. He represents House District 69 in Lowndes, Montgomery, Wilcox, and Autauga Counties. He has served in the House since 2014.

He was charged with forgery in the second degree and with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. The indictment alleges that Lawrence, with the intent to defraud, falsely made, completed, or altered a builder's license. Both forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument are Class C felonies punishable by 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Alabama Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Division.

The AG's office said that no further information about the investigation or about Lawrence's alleged crimes may be released at this time.

Lawrence is the fourth member of the 2022 class of the House of Representatives to run afoul of the law. Reps. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) and John Rogers (D-Birmingham) were both caught in an FBI public corruption probe. Rep. David Cole (R-Madison) did not live in his district. The three of them have all pleaded guilty and resigned. Lawrence has only been charged. He is presumed innocent until a jury finds otherwise.

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said that he expects members of the House to hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity.

“I expect members of the Alabama House of Representatives to hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity in both their personal and professional lives," Speaker Ledbetter said in a statement. "Rep. Kelvin Lawrence’s indictment presents an unfortunate situation for his constituents and colleagues alike. I have full confidence in our justice system’s ability to assess the facts of this case and determine an appropriate course of action.” – House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter."

If Lawrence is convicted there will be a special election to fill his seat.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com