In a dramatic development, the Alabama Attorney General's Office announced that 11th Judicial Circuit Judge Gilbert P. Self, 61, of Florence, has been charged and arrested on multiple charges. The indictment includes 16 counts of abuse of power for personal or family gain, one count of making a false statement to a public auditor, and one count of perjury.
Judge Self, who has served as presiding judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit since April 2020, turned himself in to the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office. His indictment details a series of prohibited acts spanning from April 2020 to February 2023. Specifically, Judge Self is accused of using more than $50,000 in public funds to hire his son and diverting public funds to personal purchases such as a sofa, alcoholic beverages, and eyeglasses. .
Additionally, the indictment alleges that Judge Self used his position to cover various personal leaves of absence with public funds. These include a ski trip to Montana, a beach vacation, a biking trip through three states, and a visit to St. Ignace, Michigan. He is also charged with soliciting public funds to pay for travel to events he did not attend in places such as Reno, Nevada. Duck Key, Florida. Mackinac Island, Michigan. And within the state of Alabama.
The charges range from making false statements during an audit by the public accounting auditor to charges of double counting per diem and mileage. The particularly serious charges include making false statements under oath before a Lauderdale County grand jury in January 2024;
The Attorney General's Office of Special Prosecutions pursued the charges following an investigation initiated by the Lauderdale County Judge's Audit of the Judicial Administration Fund and the Law Library Fund.
If convicted of these charges, Judge Self would face severe legal consequences. The 16 ethics law violations are classified as class B felonies, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. Additionally, making a false statement to an examiner and perjury are Class C felonies, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The case shocked Alabama's judicial system and highlighted the need for strict oversight and accountability in public office. The trial is expected to attract significant national and media attention and will be an important test of the state's commitment to upholding ethical standards in the judiciary.
