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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal
The Alabama Ethics Commission has dismissed an ethics complaint against Carnell McAlpine, chairman of the Lowndes County Commission.
McAlpine shared a copy of a letter to him with the Signal Thursday from Thomas B. Albritton, executive director of the Alabama Ethics Commission, which states, “The commission concluded, upon review of the evidence from the investigation, that there was not probable cause to believe that you violated the Alabama Ethics Act. Accordingly, the complaint has been dismissed.”
The letter from Albritton was dated, Oct. 5.
McAlpine also released a statement Thursday saying, “I am thankful that the Ethics Commission found that there was no probable cause that I had committed any violations of the ethics laws. I knew I was completely innocent, but this was still a terrible ordeal for me and my family.”
The body of the letter to McAlpine from Albritton reads:
“Dear Mr. McAlpine:
“A complaint was filed against you (McAlpine) alleging that you violated the provisions of the Alabama Ethics Act. The complaint has been investigated by Commission investigator Vicki Wilson. The results of that investigation were presented to the members of the Alabama Ethics Commission at their meeting held Oct. 5, 2016. The commission concluded, upon review of the evidence from the investigation, that there was not probable cause to believe that you violated the Alabama Ethics Act. Accordingly, the complaint has been dismissed.
“If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
“Sincerely,
“Thomas B. Albritton
“Executive Director.”
McAlpine continued his response, “This was an effort by a few people to unfairly get me out of office.  However the process has worked. I hope that no other person ever has to go through this kind of situation when there is no probable cause. The Ethics Commission should never be used as a political tool as it was in this case.”
McAlpine concluded, “I lost much time and had to spend hard earned money. My family and reputation suffered. I am thankful to continue serving the people of Lowndes County.”