At a late afternoon press conference of his own, Bentley denied having an affair with the senior staffer, but said he was sorry for making inappropriate comments on one occasion two years ago.
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Below are four of the most eyebrow-raising details from Bentley’s affair allegations, as alleged by Spencer Collier, the former head of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, to Archibald.
Collier’s accusations came a day after Bentley fired him as law enforcement director after an internal investigation into the possible misuse of state funds within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The governor divorced past year after Dianne Bentley said their marriage had suffered a breakdown.
A short time later, a member of Bentley’s security staff brought Collier a tape recording that had been provided by a member of Bentley’s family, Collier said. [Image via Brynn Anderson/AP]Collier said he made it clear to Gov. Bentley that it was a felony if he was using state resources or campaign funds to finance a relationship with Rebekah Mason. “I am disappointed to learn these facts, and today, I relieved Spencer Collier of his duties as ALEA Secretary”.
However, Collier said Bentley called him the next morning and said he couldn’t end the relationship.
But Governor Bentley has also said he was being disciplined for getting involved in another political feud that he was told to stay away from. He says he has apologized to his family and Mason’s family.
Bentley, he said, ordered him not to do the affidavits and to say the ALEA investigation “was still ongoing”.
Governor Robert Bentley says he does not plan to step down, despite allegations of an affair. “And I’m grateful for the opportunity God has given me to serve our state”.
Mason, who is married, is no longer on the state government’s payroll but is a frequent presence in Bentley’s suite of offices at the state Capitol.
“You’ve got to live within the means, and that’s what we’re doing”, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said Wednesday.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley leaves after a news conference on…
Collier said that he did not feel Mason’s influence was appropriated since she had never been elected.
“The governor is heard replying with ‘improper comments about her breasts and behind, ‘” the Birmingham News reported.
Alabama lawmakers could give final approval to the General Fund budget Tuesday, setting up an expected veto by Gov. Robert Bentley over Medicaid funding.
Collier said he was willing to testify about the situation in court.
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“I appreciate Stan joining my team to lead the dedicated men and women who respond when Alabamians call on them in emergencies”, Bentley added. An assistant attorney general for the state had requested an affidavit from Collier on a specific matter, but Bentley instructed Collier to remain out of the case and not submit the affidavit.
