Alabama's State House speaker was just convicted on 12 felony ethics charges

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard was found guilty Friday night on no less than 12 of 23 ethics charges brought against him, a jury decision which removes the state representative from office effective immediately.

Hubbard has denied all suggestions of wrongdoing, insisting he has "never" used his office for personal gain. He risks up to 20 years in prison for each of his felony convictions — which were made under an ethics law he endorsed — and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 8.

Meanwhile, Alabama's governor and chief justice also face accusations of ethics violations. Impeachment proceedings may move forward against the governor in connection to allegations that he had an affair with one of his aides; and a drag queen who performs under the name Ambrosia Starling is spearheading efforts to oust the chief justice for alleged violations of judicial ethics.

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