City Building Inspector Accused Of Taking Bribe

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Birmingham's building inspector has been arrested and accused of accepting a bribe. Thomas Edward Stoves is accused of taking a $1,200 payment in 2016 in exchange for a building inspection approval, officials said.

A statement from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said Stoves is officially charged with violating state ethics law by using his public position for personal gain.

"The charge is for Stoves’ solicitation and acceptance of a $1,200.00 payment in exchange for the approval of a building inspection in August 2016," Marshall said in a statement. "No further information about the investigation or Stoves’ alleged crime can be released at this time."

Stoves surrendered to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office August 10 and was released on bond.

The use of office for personal gain is a class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.