Attorney General Troy King announced the conviction yesterday of Rosie Lyles for voter fraud in Hale County Circuit Court. She was sentenced to 12 months, which was suspended. Lyles was placed on probation for two years, during which she is prohibited from participating in any absentee voting or voter registration activity. She was also assessed approximately $400 in court costs.

Specifically, Lyles pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree—a forged affidavit of an absentee voter —with intent to defraud.

“This conviction represents an important victory for integrity at our ballot boxes,” said Attorney General King. “Honest, fair elections are the foundation upon which our democracy stands. I am committed to prosecute voter fraud and ensure that Alabamians can trust the results of our elections and have faith in our government.”

Attorney General King personally presented evidence to a Hale County grand jury, resulting in the August 2007 indictments of Lyles as well as Valada Paige Banks, a former Greensboro City Councilwoman. Voter fraud charges against Banks still are pending as are similar charges against former Circuit Clerk Gay Nell Tinker who was indicted in March 2008. Those cases have not yet been set for trial.

Attorney General King commended investigators George Barrows and Susan Smith as well as Assistant Attorneys General Ben Baxley and Noel Barnes.