James Graves
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Republican Party announced Wednesday afternoon that its executive committee has voted to remove James Graves from its ranks. The move by the county GOP follows Graves’s arrest Wednesday morning. According to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Graves was arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse. The charge is a felony.
Graves, 74, is a former Cullman County Commission Chairman. He was elected chairman in 2008 and served until he was defeated by current Chairman Kenneth Walker in 2012.
County GOP Chairman Waid Harbison released the following statement:
“We are saddened to have to take action to remove James Graves from the Cullman County Republican Party Executive Committee. James has been a strong community leader in the past, and we are all surprised at the recent developments; however, his actions do not reflect the morals or beliefs of the Republican party on a local or national level. The committee moved today to ensure that we protect strong, conservative principles, and to do what was right for the local party. We will always stand up and advocate for what is right, even if it means standing up to someone within our own party.”
According the CCSO, Graves allegedly sexually molested a minor on more than one occasion. A statement from the CCSO said the victim came forward after the last incident took place, in which Graves forced the victim to perform a sexual act.
When Graves was interviewed by investigators, he allegedly confirmed the allegations were true. The CCSO says that following that interview, "there was no doubt a sexual crime had been committed by the suspect."
Graves is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on a $15,000 cash bond.
For more information on the GOP’s actions, contact Harbison at 256-708-1650.
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