Alabama: Jordan and Woodward deny improper use of criminal database
The Birmingham News reports: Former Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Woodward and attorney Albert Jordan told jurors in their federal trial Monday they did not conspire to illegally run criminal history checks on absentee Bessemer voters for Woodward's election contest.
Woodward, testifying in his own defense, said he gave Sheriff's Department employees authorization to conduct background checks using restricted federal databases as part of a legitimate investigation into allegations of voter fraud in Bessemer.
His office started receiving more calls about voting irregularities following the Nov. 3, 1998, general election, he testified. ...
Woodward said he sought Jordan's assistance because of his past expertise in challenging voter fraud.
"He was my attorney," Woodward said. "I thought I could provide my attorney with anything." -- Ex-sheriff, attorney deny conspiracy