The Alabama Ethics Commission has found probable cause that Gov. Robert Bentley violated the state ethics law and the campaign finance law.
The commission, in four separate votes, determined that Bentley violated one count of the ethics law and three counts of the campaign finance law.
The decision forwards the investigation to the Montgomery County district attorney.
Bentley has denied wrongdoing.
The four charges
Bentley attorney William Athanas said shortly after the decision that the governor would defend himself against the charges and noted that today's ruling was probable cause, not a conviction.
Athanas said he respected the commission's decision but disagreed with it.
The violations would all be Class B felonies, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
The vote came after the commission heard testimony from witnesses in a closed session.
Ethics Commission investigations are covered under the grand jury secrecy act.
Bentley has been hounded for a year by allegations involving his relationship with former political adviser Rebekah Mason.
