MONTGOMERY, Ala.
As revelations unfolded in the long-running federal investigation into the two-year college system, the state school board appeared to be well removed from what turned out to be a multimillion-dollar bribery case.
But now some members of the board that voted to remove former two-year Chancellor Roy Johnson from his post amid corruption and nepotism allegations are being viewed as possible targets in the probe. Prosecutors said some legislators also are being eyed.
Board members and legislators contacted in the wake of Johnson’s plea announcement on Thursday either voiced confidence they were in no legal difficulty or had no comment on the development.
Johnson, along with agreeing to plead guilty to 15 felony bribery and corruption counts, told prosecutors he used his position to secure jobs for legislators and relatives of board members.
His plea states he “provided secret political support to Board Members by directing money and other campaign assistance to them” and also “used his official position to recommend, suggest, and direct that particular individuals be hired and retained in various positions.”
Huntsville board member Mary Jane Caylor said negative speculation about the board is unfortunately nothing she and the others haven’t heard before.
