Latest news with #SteveMarshall
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judges to weigh request to put Alabama under preclearance for a future congressional map
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Federal judges will weigh a request to bring Alabama back under the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act after ruling the state intentionally diluted the voting strength of Black residents when drawing congressional lines. Black voters and civil rights organizations, who successfully challenged Alabama's congressional map, are asking a three-judge panel to require any new congressional maps drawn by state lawmakers to go through federal review before being implemented. The Alabama attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice oppose the request. Judges on Thursday set a July 29 hearing on the request. The three-judge panel in 2023 ordered the use of a new congressional map in Alabama. The judges selected the new map after saying they were 'deeply troubled' that state lawmakers had ignored their directive to draw a second majority-Black district or something close to it. Plaintiffs said Alabama's actions and the defiance of the court order mirror the state's actions in the 1960s. 'Alabama sought to ignore, evade, and strategically frustrate attempts to remedy racial discrimination,' lawyers for the plaintiffs wrote in a court filing. The request would require new congressional maps drawn through the 2030 Census cycle to undergo federal review by the court before being used. The Voting Rights Act for decades required that states with a history of discrimination — including many in the South — get federal approval before changing the way they hold elections. The requirement of preclearance effectively went away in 2013 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in a case arising from Alabama, that the provision determining which states are covered was outdated and unconstitutional. Plaintiffs argue that Alabama's actions should trigger the so-called 'bail-in' section of the Voting Rights Act that enables courts to retain jurisdiction and exercise preclearance power. 'Preclearance flips the burden on the State to prove its innocence. That power is extraordinary,' Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office wrote in a court filing opposing the request. The Justice Department is backing Alabama in asking the judges to reject the request. 'Preclearance is permissible only when jurisdictions have engaged in pervasive, flagrant, widespread, and rampant discrimination,' Justice Department lawyers wrote in the filing signed by the acting chief of the voting section. Alabama's actions did not rise to that level, they argued. The same three-judge panel in May permanently blocked Alabama from using the state-drawn map that they said flouted their directive to draw a plan that was fair to Black voters. The state is appealing that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Toronto Star
09-07-2025
- Toronto Star
Alabama attorney general pushes for trial of an ex-officer accused of fatally shooting an armed man
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A former Alabama police officer charged with murder for shooting an armed Black man in the man's front yard during a dispute with a tow-truck driver shouldn't be granted immunity before going to trial, the state's attorney general says. In a court brief filed late Tuesday, Attorney General Steve Marshall said a lower court was correct in ruling that former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette, 25, failed to show 'a clear legal right to prosecutorial immunity' when he fatally shot Stephen Perkins on Sept. 29, 2023.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man convicted in 'complex' fraud case where $8.4M was conned from elderly victim
A Montgomery man has been convicted of numerous fraud charges in connection with a "complex." scheme to defraud an elderly victim of $8.4 million, the state's top cop says. A Montgomery County jury found James 'Jimmy' Bulger guilty on three felony charges: first-degree theft by deception, aggravated theft by deception and first-degree financial exploitation of the elderly, said Attorney General Steve Marshall. Following a six-day trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges, concluding that Bulger stole $8.4 million from an elderly victim over the course of more than two years through a complex Ponzi scheme, the attorney general said. More: Mayor promises 'justice' after 13-year-old girl dies in overnight Montgomery shooting 'This wasn't a lapse in judgment, it was a calculated, predatory scheme that stole nearly $9 million from an elderly man who trusted him,' said Marshall. 'James Bulger saw vulnerability and exploited it for personal gain, living lavishly while destroying his victim's financial future. His conviction is a powerful reminder that we will not hesitate to hold con artists and manipulators accountable, especially when they target our seniors.' Bulger manipulated the victim's advanced age and trust, convincing him to reinvest what he believed were profits — when in fact he was simply receiving his own funds, Marshall said. Bulger used the stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle, purchasing luxury vehicles, designer goods, and constructing an 8,000-square-foot mansion. Following his indictment for the charges on which he was found guilty, Bulger tried to entice the victim to drop the criminal case in exchange for $1 million, Marshall's office said in a release. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@ To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery man convicted in fraud case involving elderly victim
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Katherine Robertson to run for Alabama attorney general
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Katherine Robertson, the longtime chief counsel to Alabama's attorney general, Steve Marshall, announced Tuesday that she is running for attorney general in 2026. Robertson, a Republican, announced her candidacy during an event in Birmingham with Marshall. Marshall endorsed Robertson in the race to replace him when he leaves office. 'Alabama needs a proven fighter who will harness the power of the attorney general's office to protect our communities and uphold our values,' Robertson said in her announcement. She described herself as a steadfast supporter of Donald Trump and vowed to fight what she called the 'fanatical left.' A growing field is seeking the office of attorney general which is open in the 2026 election. Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell and Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey are also running for attorney general. Mitchell resigned from the Supreme Court earlier this year. Robertson, speaking by telephone, said she her experience makes her the best person for the job. She said the office of attorney general is more complex than many people realize. The attorney general serves as the state's top law enforcement officer. Robertson has served as Marshall's chief counsel since 2017. 'My priorities will be to continue to make sure that we are the voice for law enforcement and crime victims in our state and that we keep Alabama in a lead position in the national conversation,' Robertson said. During Marshall's tenure, the attorney general's office banded with other Republican-led states in filing lawsuits challenging multiple Biden administration policies. The office also successfully defended the state's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Robertson said she believes the office 'reset the conversation on public safety.' Before joining the attorney general's office, Robertson served as legislative counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee for then-U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. She also worked in the intergovernmental and public liaison office at the U.S. Department of Justice Marshall cannot seek another term because of term limits. Marshall is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor instead of seeking another term in the Senate. The party primaries are May 19, 2026. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Katherine Robertson announces candidacy for Alabama Attorney General
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Katherine Robertson has launched her campaign for Alabama Attorney General. Robertson announced her intentions to run for the position in front of a packed out crowd at Regions Field in Birmingham. She served as Chief Counsel to Attorney General Steve Marshall for nearly a decade andpreviously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and as legislative counsel to Senator Jeff Sessions. Robertson, a state native, grew up in a farming family within Dallas County. She is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law. 'Alabama needs a proven fighter who will harness the power of the Attorney General's office to protect our communities and uphold our values,' Robertson said during her announcement speech. 'I believe the first civil right of every Alabamian is to live free from the fear of violence. As Attorney General, I will ensure violent offenders, including those in our countryillegally, do not roam freely, and law enforcement will always know I have their back.' Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell launches campaign for Alabama Attorney General If elected, Robertson plans to prioritize cracking down on crime by supporting law enforcement, ensuring public safety remains paramount, and passing tougher laws on gangs, child exploitation, and illegal immigration. 'On my watch, the whims of the fanatical left will never make inroads in Alabama,' explained Robertson. 'The woke mob won't be able to tell us a boy can play girls sports, and we will continue to ensure that George Soros never gains a foothold in our criminal justice system.' Previously, Robertson played a key role in leading national litigation to protect women's sports, reforming Alabama's parole system, passing the Speedy Trial Act, election integrity, and protecting citizens from government overreach. 'You heard AG Marshall say that I am the law enforcement candidate in this race, and I am. This is their race, and they know that I'm their girl.' Robertson stated. ' I'm running because Alabama needs a strong, steadfast Attorney General who knows how to get things done. My record speaks for itself, and I'm ready to do the next right thing—decisively.' Robertson is also a wife and a mother of two children. Others who have entered the race for the Alabama Attorney General include Pamela Casey, Blunt County District Attorney and Jay Mitchell, a former Associate Justice for the Alabama Supreme Court. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has also endorsed Robertson for the position. The next general election for Alabama Attorney General will be held on November 3, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
