Public Corruption Trial begins for Birmingham Water Works board member

Jury selection began Monday in a public corruption trial centered around the Birmingham Water Works Board.

Board member and former board chair Sherry Lewis faces three felony ethics charges, brought by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecution Division.

The BWWB serves five counties in central Alabama. Lewis has remained a voting member of the board since being indicted in December, 2017.

Lewis is on trial for three ethics charges: using her position for personal gain, voting on matters in which she or family had a financial interest and also for soliciting or receiving anything for the purpose of corruptly influencing official action.

Monday morning before jury selection, Judge Clyde Jones listened to arguments from both sides about what evidence should be allowed in the trial.

Prosecutor James Houts called Lewis “the most egregious example of corruption on the Birmingham Water Works Board,” as he explained why he wanted to keep out evidence of why other board members were not charged.

Lewis’ defense attorney Liz Young told the judge Birmingham Water Works had common practice with some of the activities she’s charged for, and facilitated and encouraged this for their board members.

Judge Jones granted the state’s motion not to include evidence about prosecutorial discretion.

The charges in this case focus on a relationship between Lewis and Jerry Jones, the former head of the engineering firm, Arcadis. The AG’s office says Lewis voted on Arcadis contracts, directing millions of dollars toward the firm.

In court documents, prosecutors wrote, “Lewis unlawfully used her position and influence to obtain money, a no-show job for a family member, and free meals and other improper benefits.”

Prosecutor Anna Clark Morris told the judge she expects this trial to last seven days.