Anniston Councilman Spain resigns, suit and charges dismissed

After making headlines in and out of Anniston, Councilman John Spain has submitted a letter of resignation to the city, effective immediately.

Through his attorney, Tim Burgess, he has also dismissed his civil suit against Mayor Gene Robinson. The mayor and Police Chief Layton McGrady have filed motions to dismiss pending assault charges and a charge of Violation of the Council/Manager Act.

The latest round of fighting started in mid-September 2011 when Robinson and Spain left a council meeting. Officials went looking for the two men and found them in a physical altercation. Spain was arrested and charged with third degree assault and promptly filed an appeal.

Police Chief McGrady then had to charge Spain with violating the Council/Manager Act by giving a direct order to a police captain while the police chief, McGrady, was out of town.