For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Montgomery, Ala) – Attorney General Steve Marshall, joined by law enforcement leaders from across Alabama, has formally called on Governor Kay Ivey to reappoint Leigh Gwathney as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
In a letter sent to the Governor, Attorney General Marshall praised Gwathney’s steadfast leadership, her background as a seasoned prosecutor, and her commitment to prioritizing public safety in the face of intense political pressure.
The letter to the Governor reads, “the most consequential decision you made during the 2019 parole reforms was placing Ms. Gwathney at the helm of the board.” It continues, “She has earned the trust of law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime victims across Alabama.”
Gwathney’s leadership comes at a time when nearly 85% of Alabama’s prison population consists of violent offenders—individuals the parole board is routinely pressured to release. Marshall and others commended Gwathney for resisting such pressures and for consistently putting the safety of Alabama communities first.
“Reappointing Leigh Gwathney is about more than leadership—it’s about protecting Alabama families from violent criminals and honoring the voices of victims who too often go unheard,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Ms. Gwathney has never lost sight of what’s at stake: the safety of our citizens and the dignity of those who have suffered at the hands of violent offenders.”
The letter, signed by 76 law enforcement leaders, concludes with a call for Governor Ivey to reaffirm her commitment to meaningful parole reform and public safety by reappointing Gwathney to lead the board.
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