Tim Turnham gets two years of probation

Auburn businessman Tim Turnham pleaded guilty two years ago to obstruction of justice as part of a sweeping corruption scandal involving former Alabama two-year college chancellor Roy Johnson of Opelika.

Wednesday, a federal court judge in Birmingham sentenced Turnham, 58, to two years probation and fined the Alabama Contract Sales Inc. executive $1,000, according to a report by The Birmingham News.

Turnham’s case was part of a scandal that led to numerous charges against leaders within the state’s two-year college system. Johnson is still awaiting sentencing.

“He’s been through a lot and is ready to move on to the next phase of his life,” said Auburn resident Joe Turnham, Tim’s brother and chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.

Turnham’s business allegedly doctored invoices for work and furnishings at Johnson’s Opelika home. At the time, Johnson was president of Southern Union State Community College.

Turnham admitted to investigators that his business overcharged colleges, ultimately putting thousands of dollars in the pockets of Johnson.

The court said that since his plea in May 2007 Turnham has worked diligently with authorities on the two-year college investigation. He also paid $900,000 in restitution.