Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Chris McNair
In August, we’re celebrating Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks, whether they be liars, thieves, extortionists, swindlers or thugs. Running daily until Birmingham mayor Larry Langford’s Aug. 31 federal trial. Thanks to Bhamwiki for helping with this project.
Chris McNair
Positions held: milkman, photographer, Jefferson County commissioner, state legislator (one of the first black representatives since Reconstruction). Also, father of Denise McNair, one of the four girls killed in the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church.
Wanted for: bribery and conspiracy related to awarding contracts in the Jefferson County sewer debacle.
Date of conviction: April 21, 2006
Sentence: 5 years in prison and more than $850,000 in restitution. However, McNair, 83, remains out on bond pending an appeal 2 years after sentencing.
Criminally fun fact: McNair once had a health clinic named in his honor, until the Jefferson County Board of Health renamed it as the West End Health Center in 2008.
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Additional reading:
- Bhamwiki: Chris McNair
- Crime Watch
- Meet more of Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks | RSS feed
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Friday, August 7, 2009, 12:14 am
Very unfortunate that Chris was chosen to be the fall guy for opportunists. It is always the little guy who takes the hit and does the time. So, if he did accept favors etc…where are those guys? It is easier for the authorities to rope in one little fish with a big name and title than to go after the whole school. One wonders and hopes Chris is not protecting anyone.
Friday, August 7, 2009, 9:21 am
Others were convicted along with McNair in this scheme. Someone who owes $850,000 and has avoided actual prison time (despite sentencing) hardly qualifies as a “little guy / little fish” in my opinion.
Given the number of commissioners convicted (five to date), it does seem like they’re going after everyone involved. But it takes time.
Thursday, August 13, 2009, 4:47 pm
No one ever mentions McNair any more. Are they letting him off because of his age?
Thursday, August 13, 2009, 5:17 pm
It would appear so. Or maybe he’s testifying in the upcoming trial. Who knows?
Friday, September 18, 2009, 11:19 am
Or maybe they’re those who are still sympathetic to him because of the church bombing in 1963.