Four state senators no longer face federal supoenas

MONTGOMERY - The four state senators who were subpoenaed to appear before a federal grand jury in Birmingham this week have been excused from the subpoenas, their attorney said today.

A federal grand jury is looking into the merits of a federal corruption case involving two-year colleges in Alabama. The investigation has already led to guilty verdicts and pleas involving past administrators in the system.

The four who received subpoenas last week are Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, Sen. Bobby Denton, D-Tuscumbia, Sen. Hinton Mitchem, D-Union Grove, who is the Senate president pro tem, and Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Their attorney, Michel Nicrosi, said their release from the subpoenas was confirmed today. In layman's terms the subpoenas were withdrawn.

'They will not have to appear on this subpoena,' Nicrosi said.

She said she could not divulge why the action was taken, citing confidentiality with clients. Mitchem said Nicrosi advised him not to comment.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Alice Martin in Birmingham, who issued the subpoenas, had no immediate information.

The four senators hold positions on powerful committees, including the education appropriation committee.

More than a dozen current or former legislators and two-year college officials were issued subpoenas last week.