BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Three former clerks are charged with taking money from people to let them get ahead in long lines at Jefferson County courthouses.
Authorities say 32-year-old Jozette Patrece Berry; 33-year-old Alisha Marie Cole; and 39-year-old Lashonda T. Smaw are charged with using their jobs for personal gain.
All three were fired from their jobs with Jefferson County’s revenue office, where residents sometimes have to wait in line for hours for routine tasks like renewing their car tags.
Court records don’t yet list defense attorneys for any of the three women, who are free on bond. A hearing is set for Feb. 3.
An investigation began after a Birmingham television station aired video that appeared to show workers taking money in exchange for letting some people get faster service.
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