Alabama House Speaker preparing for possible arrest in corruption probe

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard was preparing for his possible arrest Monday night in a state corruption probe.

Hubbard, who is also chair of the Alabama Republican Party, has been indicted by a grand jury and faces 23 counts, including using his office for personal gain and soliciting things of value, according to court documents.

If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines per count, local news site Al.com reported. 

Late Monday afternoon, Hubbard reported to the Lee County Jail where he was booked. County records show Hubbard and his lawyer visited the sheriff's office in Opelika on Friday.

Defense attorney Mark White said Monday they went to the sheriff's office to provide paperwork so Hubbard could be released on bond as quickly as possible if arrested.

White says prosecutors have indicated that they won’t let the prominent Republican surrender if he is indicted by a grand jury, meaning officers would likely go arrest him.

A special grand jury has been meeting on and off in Hubbard's home of Lee County for more than a year.

Hubbard said last week that he has done nothing wrong, and calls the investigation a witch hunt.

Al Jazeera and The Associated Press