AG’s office investigates former county employee

Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore confirmed the Attorney General’s office requested and seized financial records from the Franklin County Commission office relative to an investigation into former Franklin County administrator Crista Madden.

This action was taken March 1.

“All I can say is that we have been contacted by the Attorney General’s office requesting financial documents, and we have fully complied with their request,” Moore said.

The attorney general’s office declined to comment on any involvement in an ongoing investigation.

Lack of information has left Franklin County commissioners in the dark and asking for answers.

“I’m very concerned about it. I don’t know that they’ve proven anything; I don’t like to speculate,” Commissioner David Hester said.

At a special called commission meeting March 5 for an unrelated agenda, Commissioner Jason Miller requested a roll call vote for an executive session to discuss the matter. Because of a law stating no item of business can be added to the agenda of a special called meeting, his request was denied.

“All I know is that financial records were seized, and we’re waiting to hear more information. I’m at a loss as to what’s going on,” Miller said.

Madden is the daughter of Commissioner Rayburn Massey, who said the investigation is a “total shock to say the least.”

“I know what everyone else knows and nothing more. They haven’t been in contact with me about it,” Massey said.

Madden resigned from her position as county administrator in August 2017 after accepting the role of county administrator for the Chilton County Commission.

The current investigation does not concern her work with Chilton County, only Franklin County, but Madden has been placed on temporary leave pending the results of the investigation.

Anthony Richards, with the Clanton Advertiser, contributed to this report.