Mayor Guilty of Fraud, Removed From Office
Associated Press
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Talladega’s three-term mayor has been convicted of fraud and thrown out of office for cashing $5,000 in city checks that were made out to a phony tree surgeon.
Federal jurors deliberated about 11 hours over three days before convicting Larry Barton on Wednesday of one count of fraud and 26 counts of money laundering.
Under state law, Barton was automatically removed from office. He faces up to 56 months in prison when he is sentenced April 22. He was allowed to remain free on bond pending appeal.
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