Dateline looms in Bentley/Mason ethics investigation

The investigative arm of the State Ethics Commission is nearing completion of its probe into potential ethics violations by Gov. Robert Bentley and his former senior political adviser/alleged mistress, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, according to those close to the investigation.

These well-placed sources say Bentley and Mason recently received letters requiring their appearance before Special Agents of the Commission.

Chief Special Agent Tony Goubil is leading exhaustive interviews with former State officials and others within Bentley’s sphere of influence, to determine if he or Mason violated State ethics laws. According to Statute, the Commission has a 180-day window to complete an ethics complaint investigation and offer recommendations. The Commission may grant an additional 180 days but an extension seems unlikely to those who spoke anonymously with The Alabama Political Reporter.

The dateline for the Commission’s findings appears to be sometime in February. The end of the inquiry comes at a time when Special Grand Juries in Montgomery and Lee Counties are still impaneled. Speculation abounds as to how these investigations will impact the up coming Legislative Session.

Read more: http://www.alreporter.com/tick-tock-dateline-looms-in-bentleymason-ethics-investigation/