Bayou La Batre residents react to mayor's indictment

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (WALA) - There was no answer at Bayou La Batre mayor Stan Wright's home Saturday afternoon. Just across Highway 188 in the Safe Harbor subdivision, however, folks were talking about the mayor's recent indictment.

"It's just a shock," said one woman who didn't want to go on camera.

She went on to say most people know the mayor had an active role in helping to get the subdivision, which was badly needed following Hurricane Katrina.

"We were one of the first 25 families to move in. There had been a lot of rumors prior to all this, and we was just sitting back waiting to see who was going to happen," the woman said.

The U.S. attorney announced the indictments Friday, September 30.

Wright and his daughter, Mary Wright, are both charged with conspiracy and money laundering. The mayor is also facing a charge of retaliation.

The indictment accuses the mayor of being involved in a scheme to get money from the federally funded subdivision by selling a piece of his personal property to the city.

The indictment also said the alleged cover-up involved the mayor's daughter.

Federal prosecutors believe the mayor pocketed nearly $30,000 profit from the sale of property he transferred to his daughter.

Probate court records show two transfers of deeds in 2007.

Despite the recent charges, the mayor does have supporters in the community and the subdivision, including Mark Ward.

"If he can help you he will," Ward said. "When I needed him I could go talk to him, and he always treated me fair. He never did nothing sneaky behind my back, or nothing like that."

FOX10 News also tried to contact the mayor at his seafood business in Bayou La Batre. It was closed.