Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Simon Speights
By Wade KwonIn 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.
Simon Speights
Positions held: Lipscomb mayor and city council president
Wanted for: burglary
Date of conviction: Feb. 3, 1994
Sentence: 3-year suspended sentence, unsupervised probation, $1,000 fine plus restitution and court costs
Criminally fun fact: Speights was Lipscomb council president when he was appointed as mayor after Jimmie Johnson resigned in 2005 for the “safety for me and my family.” Speights was driving a stolen car and collecting more than the authorized salary for his office. He resigned in July 2007 after his burglary conviction came to light; his conviction prevents him from holding office.
• • •
Additional reading:
- Bhamwiki: Simon Speights
- Crime Watch
- Meet more of Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks | RSS feed
• • •
Want more Wade on Birmingham? Subscribe to our free newsletter!