The Alabama Prison Reform Task Force is trying to avert a federal takeover of the state's prison system. The 24-member panel met Tuesday looking at recommendations on reducing overcrowded conditions. Some changes the task force is considering: expanding the role of drug courts, using community corrections programs more often and expediting the parole process for non-violent offenders.
Stone Trial
The trial of a former state Department of Education official and her husband has started in Montgomery. Prosecutor Bill Lisenby told the jury Tuesday that Deann Stone used her position as the department's director of federal programs to manipulate the awarding of federal stimulus funds. He said $24 million in stimulus grants went to three school systems using her husband's employer, Information Transport Solutions, to help with grants. Lisneby said the company got $10 million from those grants. The couple is charged with violating the state ethics law.
Murder Trial Continues
A former Auburn University football player says there was an argument shortly before a shooting that wounded him and killed two former teammates at a pool party in 2012. Former lineman Erick Mack testified Wednesday in the murder trial of 24-year-old Desmonte Leonard. Mack says teammate Deangelo Benton began arguing with Leonard. Mack says he didn't see the shooting because he was trying to calm down Benton following the dispute. Benton says Leonard had been staring at him but he denies threatening Leonard. Mack testified about being shot in the buttocks and trying to help another gunshot victim. Leonard's attorney says he fired in self-defense.