Gaston Randle
Gaston Randle is the Mayor Pro Tempore of Lipscomb, having assumed the office following the resignation of Simon Speights on July 26, 2007.
During an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office of alleged harassment by Lipscomb Police it was found that Randle, who served as the Council's police commissioner, was reported to have been directly involved in harassment while impersonating an officer. He was arrested on charges of stalking, impersonating a police officer, bribery and extortion - all felonies.
Meanwhile, Mayor Speights' previous felony conviction for larceny came to light and he was forced to resign. Since Randle had been nominated as Mayor Pro Tempore, he assumed the duties of acting mayor on July 26. On August 7 the remaining city council members voted 3-2 to confirm his nomination while they sought a replacement. On October 12, Governor Bob Riley appointed another council member, Deborah Miller to complete Speights' term.
In November 2007 Randle was indicted on all four felony counts. Later in the same month he was arrested by Brighton police on Bessemer Super Highway and charged with public intoxication.
| Preceded by: Simon Speights |
Mayor of Lipscomb (acting) July 26 - October 12, 2007 |
Succeeded by: Deborah Miller |
References
- Gordon, Robert K. and Rahkia Nance (June 16, 2007) "Lipscomb official facing bribery, extortion charges." Birmingham News.
- Nance, Rahkia (July 26, 2007) "Lipscomb mayor resigns." Birmingham News.
- Nance, Rahkia (August 7, 2007) "Lipscomb council puts Randle in charge of city." Birmingham News.
- Gordon, Robert K. (November 15, 2007) "Lipscomb Councilman Gaston Randle arrested in Brighton on intoxication charge." Birmingham News.