Larry Langford Arrested

Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Larry Langford was arrested by the FBI on federal charges on Monday, December 1, 2008. According to a 101-count indictment, Langford is accused of bribery and money laundering. Two of Langford's friends, lobbyist Al LaPierre and securities broker Bill Blount, were also indicted in connection with the case. Langford, who was elected mayor in 2007, has been under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for payments made to him while he was serving on the Jefferson County Commission.¹ ²

Fast Facts

Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Larry Langford was arrested by the FBI on December 1, 2008

Being held at the federal courthouse in Birmingham on federal charges¹

Lobbyist Al LaPierre and securities broker Bill Blount also named in indictment²

LaPierre and Blount were expected to turn themselves in to federal authorities²

Langford was elected mayor of Birmingham in October 2007

Previously served as president of the Jefferson County Commission

SEC Lawsuit Against Langford

In April 2008, the SEC filed a lawsuit accusing Langford, along with longtime friend and lobbyist Al LaPierre and securities broker Bill Blount, of failing to disclose $156,000 in payments made to Langford in 2003. The payments were allegedly made "to secure Jefferson County financial business." At the time, Langford was serving as president of the Jefferson County Commission. Langford has claimed the lawsuit was politically motivated.¹

The Mahalo Top 7

CNN: FBI arrests Birmingham, Alabama, mayor (December 1, 2008)
al.com: Feds unseal 101-count indictment charging...Larry Langford... (December 1, 2008)
MyFox Birmingham: Larry Langford Arrested (December 1, 2008)
The New York Times: Alabama Mayor Charged with Fraud (December 1, 2008)
NBC13.com (Birmingham): ...Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford Arrested (December 1, 2008)
Bloomberg.com: Alabama Mayor Arrested on Federal Charges... (December 1, 2008)
Chron.com: FBI: Birmingham Mayor arrested on federal charges (December 1, 2008)