By Mike Cason 

Alabama State Rep. Kelvin LawrenceCampaign Facebook Page

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels issued a statement Wednesday in support of his colleague, Rep. Kelvin Lawrence of Lowndes County, who was arrested on Tuesday.

“I’ve served with Rep. Lawrence for 10 years,” said Daniels, a representative from Huntsville who has led the Democratic caucus in the House since 2017. “I know the great things he has done for the people of his district. I know him to be a good man and he deserves our support. We should not pass judgement on him until all the facts are known. He’s a man of faith and good character and I stand by my friend.”

Lawrence was charged with second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced. Both crimes are Class C felonies, punishable by a prison sentence ranging from one year and one day to 10 years.

Lawrence declined to comment on Tuesday and said he would release a statement later through his lawyer.

The indictment, which has not yet been made public, accuses Lawrence of using a falsely made, completed, or altered builder’s license with the intent to defraud. No additional details were released.

Lawrence, a Democrat, was elected to the Alabama House in 2014. He represents District 69, which includes Lowndes County, most of Wilcox County, and parts of Autauga and Montgomery counties. He was previously mayor of Hayneville.

“Rep. Kelvin Lawrence’s indictment presents an unfortunate situation for his constituents and colleagues alike,” Ledbetter said. “I have full confidence in our justice system’s ability to assess the facts of this case and determine an appropriate course of action.”

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