Opelika mayoral candidate arrested on perjury charge
An Opelika mayoral candidate is facing charges of perjury.
Herman Barnes, 61, was booked into the Lee County Jail on August 28, 2025, and charged with one count of perjury second degree.
Barnes lost the mayoral election against his opponent, Eddie Smith. Barnes received 115 votes, while Smith received 4,149 votes.
Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere stated, “the case involves allegations of election irregularities in a municipal election, the District Attorney’s Office is overseeing the investigation and prosecution.”
“Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is essential to maintaining public trust, and our office is committed to ensuring accountability under the law,” according to District Attorney Jessica Ventiere.
Barnes was arrested by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office at his residence in Tallapoosa County on the Lee County warrant. Barnes has posted bond and has been released from the Lee County Jail.
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