What About the Prosecutor in the Two-Year College Probe?

It's been a busy week for news on the investigation of alleged corruption in the Alabama two-year colleges system.

Alabama's corporate press focuses exclusively on the alleged wrongdoers. But I would suggest that the public pay close attention to the prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Alice Martin. And I will tell you why in a series of upcoming posts.

As for the accused, word comes today that state Senator E.B. McClain, a Democrat from Midfield, is the latest to be indicted. McClain is charged with taking about $300,000 for himself from money he had helped obtain for a nonprofit organization.

The most high-profile case so far involves north Alabama legislator Sue Schmitz. Doc's Political Parlor provides a valuable update today on the Schmitz case. The Birmingham News reported on Wednesday that U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Paul Greene had rejected Schmitz' claims of prosecutorial misconduct and selective prosecution.

What to make of McClain, Schmitz, and others (mostly Democrats) who are accused of wrongdoing? It's too early to tell, but the issue of selective prosecution should not be swept under the carpet in this case.

Judge Greene might not have found Schmitz' arguments compelling. But your humble blogger has had personal interaction with Alice Martin, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and chief prosecutor on the two-year colleges case.

Experience tells me that any claim of selective prosecution regarding Martin's office should be taken with the utmost seriousness.

Details on our interactions with Alice Martin are coming soon.