The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a federal lawsuit against a private probation company accused of targeting poor Clanton residents and threatening them with jail time for failing to pay fines. The lawsuit accused Judicial Correction Services and a local manager of racketeering and extorting probationers for monthly payments. Clanton resident Roxanne Reynolds said she was among those targeted by JCS. The Southern Poverty Law Center says some probationers were ordered to pay $140 monthly fines of which $40 was given to JCS. The company has declined comment.
Expansion Reports Denied
A senior executive at Hyundai is denying media reports the automaker is considering building a new assembly plant in Montgomery in the next two years. However, in an interview with the Montgomery Advertiser, Hyundai CEO Dave Zuchowski admits the Korean-based auto company needs additional facilities in the U.S. to meet growing demand. Zuchowski mad the comments after reports surfaced Thursday in South Korean media outlets and the Detroit News that Hyundai was considering whether to construct a new assembly plant in the U.S. Hyundai's plant in Montgomery produces two of the company's top sellers, the Elantra and Sonata vehicles.
Hotel Robbery
Prattville police have nabbed a second suspect in connection with a hotel robbery in late January. Prattville authorities and Central Alabama CrimeStoppers said a male teenager was arrested March 6th. The first suspect was apprehended March 3rd. The suspects' names are being withheld. The two males are each charged with first degree robbery for a January 28th holdup at the Hampton Inn on Cobbs Ford Road.
Final Stretch
A week-long civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery culminates with a rally Friday afternoon at the State Capitol. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is hoping the march re-ignites an effort to persuade Congress to restore key provisions in the Voting Rights Act. The Reverend Darryl Graves of Montreal, Canada, says Friday's event will feature several speakers. The rally at the Alabama Capitol begins about 1 p.m. Also, city officials say several streets in west Montgomery and in the downtown district will be closed Friday.