Grand Jury Impeaches Steve Nodine

Friday 7:20 p.m.
Read a copy of the Grand Jury Indictment

Friday 3:45 p.m.
During the investigation into the marijuana found in Steve Nodine's truck, police learned that between March 2009 and January 2010, Nodine fraudulently obtained prescription for
opiates. They say he also obtained more than 2,400 pills, including Lortab from at least 9 different pharmacies in four different states.

Nodine tested positive for marijuana and opiates on Tuesday. Last week, he showed up at the oil spill Command Center in Mobile and was so intoxicated and belligerent that he was escorted out.

According to investigators, Nodine used his county issued pickup truck for a long term, open and notorious affair with Angel Downs. During this time, he used his county issued credit card to pay for fuel. The commissioner last used the Ford F-150 pickup on May 9, the night Downs was killed. After spending the day with Downs and drinking on the beach, investigators say he drove the vehicle, under the influence, to Don Carlos mexican restaurant in Daphne.

During his affair with Downs, police say Nodine committed multiple acts of domestic violence, including stalking , harassment , verbal and or physical abuse and or threats. During two of the incidents, one in New Orleans and one in Baldwin County, Nodine invoked his title as Commissioner to dissuade law enforcement officers from charging him for his abusive contact.

According to documents obtained by News 5, Nodine submitted documents for reimbursement for alcohol purchased recently in New Orleans. He also submitted documents for non official food and fuel.

Friday 3:00 p.m.
A Grand Jury has impeached Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine on multiple ethics violations.

Violations
1. Willful neglect of duty
2. Corruption in office
3. Incompetency
4. Intemperant in the use of intoxicating liquors or narcotics
5. Offensives involving moral terpitude

The decision on whether to remove him office will be made within 20 days during a jury trial.

Friday 10:00 a.m.
Attorneys involved in Stephen Nodine's marijuana case are in the Mobile County Grand jury room.

Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine's attorney, Matt Green, and attorney Jeff Deen walked into the room just after 10:00 this morning.

Baldwin County Sheriff Hoss Mack, Major Anthony Lowery and an investigator from the Alabama Bureau of Investigations were also seen on the fifth floor of Government Plaza, the same floor where the Grand Jury meets.

News Five has also learned Commissioner Nodine has checked out of Mobile Infirmary, where he had been seeking treatment since Monday evening.

Neither Nodine nor his attorney have returned our calls.

Thursday 2:00 p.m.
Attorneys involved in the drug case pertaining to marijuana found in Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine’s county truck met behind closed doors Thursday.

Matt Green, who represents Nodine, and Escambia County District Attorney Stephen Billy met in Judge Sarah Stewart’s chambers.

A pill bottle containing marijuana was discovered in Nodine’s truck December 23 after he dropped the vehicle off at a county garage for maintenance. Nodine has denied the drugs were his, and no charges have been filed.

Grand Jury proceedings are secret by law, but sources close to the investigation say Commissioner Nodine could face ethics charges as early as Friday.

Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson turned the case over to the Escambia County District Attorney because of a potential conflict of interest.

Commissioner Nodine, who checked in to Mobile Infirmary this week, is also a person of interest in the shooting death of Angel Downs.

Downs died of a single gunshot to her head. The 45 year old real estate agent was found dead in the driveway of her Gulf Shores home, and neighbors told police they saw the commissioner's county truck leaving Downs' home around the time the shot was fired.

Baldwin County investigators have not said whether they believe she committed suicide or whether she was shot by someone else.

Downs' family insists she was not suicidal. Her sister has called a 5:00 p.m. press conference.