Collier, who was let go as Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary on Tuesday, said he has seen text messages and heard recordings 'of a sexual nature' between Bentley (left) and Rebekah Caldwell Mason (right)
Spencer Collier was as let go as Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Just hours later he claimed he had seen and heard evidence of an affair with Gov. Robert Bentley and Rebekah Caldwell Mason
Says there's a text message and recording of a conversation between pair
Read the story and listen to the audio recording of tryst between the governor and his alleged mistress after the cut ....
Gov. Bentley divorced his wife of 50 years, Dianne, in November 2015
Allegations include claims he started the illicit relationship while married
The politician has denied rumors of the affair since they began last year
Gov. Bentley divorced his wife of 50 years, Dianne, in November 2015
Allegations include claims he started the illicit relationship while married
The politician has denied rumors of the affair since they began last year
The Governor of Alabama has been accused of having an affair with his chief adviser by a top cop he fired just hours earlier.
Spencer Collier, who was let go as Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary on Tuesday, said he has seen text messages and heard recordings 'of a sexual nature' between Gov. Robert Bentley and Rebekah Caldwell Mason.
The former senior officer, who was accused of misusing funds, claimed he first knew about the illicit relationship in 2014, while the governor was still married. However he only chose to disclose the information after he was sacked.to wife of 50 years Dianne.
The Governor of Alabama Robert Bentley (left) has been accused of having an affair with his chief adviser by former Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary, Spencer Collier, (far right) just hours after he fired him
According to AL.com, Collier claims he approached the governor - who he considered a father figure - and confronted him with the allegations.
He said the governor confirmed the relationship and said he would end it quickly.
'It's a horrible, ugly episode and I am ashamed to have been around it,' Collier said on Tuesday. 'But I told him I would never lie for him.'
Jennifer Ardis, the governor's spokeswoman, said the governor denied Collier's allegations. Attempts to reach Mason tonight were unsuccessful. The governor has denied an improper relationship since rumors began the Capitol last year.
Collier said the first evidence of an affair arose August 2014, AL.com reported, when he was still married to his ex-wife Dianne.
Stan Stabler – who replaced Collier – reportedly saw a text message from Mason on Bentley's cell phone after the governor dropped it.
He then got his hands on a recording of a conversation between Bentley and Mason of an allegedly sexual nature.
It was said to have been recorded by a family member so they could stage an 'intervention'.
Collier reportedly told the governor he could be committing a felony if he carried out the relationship, but Bentley denied it.
Collier claims he approached the governor - who he considered a father figure - and confronted him with the allegations. He said the governor confirmed the relationship and said he would end it quickly
It was unclear if his dismissal came before or after Coller told his story. His statement on Tuesday however is the first time it has been made public.
He had been placed on medical leave in 2014 to have back surgery. Bentley had also indicated he was also being punished for failing to follow an order.
Stabler said in a statement: 'The allegation and implication from Mr. Collier is completely false and without merit.
'ALEA is focused on the future and my priority remains the same – to carry out the mission of the agency and ensure our law enforcement officers and support staff honorably provide service, protection, and safety for all of our citizens.'
Bentley and first lady Dianne Bentley agreed to a divorce settlement in November, ending their 50-year marriage.
The governor's office says they agreed to a settlement and filed it Monday. The governor has also asked a judge to unseal the case file so the public can see it.
Bentley said in a statement that the last four weeks has been a difficult for his family and the state. He says he is grateful for people's encouragement and prayers.
The settlement was reached about four weeks after the first lady filed divorce papers.
Dianne Bentley filed for divorce Aug. 28 saying their marriage had suffered an 'irretrievable breakdown.' The couple, both 72, marked their 50th wedding anniversary in July.
Bentley argued staunchly against legalizing gay marriage because heterosexual unions are more 'stable'.
In statements made before the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land, Bentley said: 'Alabamians should work together to protect traditional marriage.
'The two-parent family provides the best environment of stability, discipline, responsibility, and character.'
Collier, who was accused of misusing funds, claimed he first knew about the relationship in 2014, while the governor was still married to wife of 50 years Dianne (pictured in 2015). They divorced last November
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