FORMER LEIGHTON MAYOR GUILTY

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Today in U.S. District Court a jury announced a guilty verdict against former Leighton Mayor Robert Ricks. The trial began in Huntsville on Monday and the jury deliberated several hours before rendering the verdict.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and we appreciate their service,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin.

Ricks was charged in May 2007 with one count of extortion by use of threat of economic harm and under color of official right based upon his position as the Mayor of the City of Leighton. The jury convicted Ricks of extortion.

Ricks was involved in a scheme to extort money from a mechanic doing business for the City of Leighton from May 2002 until September 2002. The determination of the loss will be made by the Court at the sentencing hearing, which has not been set by the Court.

Ricks faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Russell Penfield prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. Government

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