Alabama judge appointed to hear no-bid contract case after several other judges step aside

Alabama judge named to hear no-bid contract case

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Jefferson County Circuit Judge Tom King has been appointed to hear a lawsuit filed by an Alabama legislative oversight committee trying to block a $13 million no-bid contract.

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb appointed King to hear the lawsuit filed by the Legislature’s Contract Review Committee against Gov. Bob Riley, Acting State Finance Director Bill Newton and the company that received the contract, Paragon Source LLC.

King was appointed after the six Montgomery County circuit judges removed themselves from the case. The Montgomery judges said they were personally or professionally acquainted with people on both side of the case.

The lawsuit asks the court to immediately stop Paragon Source from doing any work or receiving payment from the state.