The Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday voted to refer its investigation into the state's governor, Robert Bentley (R), to the office of the district attorney for possible prosecution, The Associated Press reported.

The panel “found probable cause” that the governor improperly utilized government resources and took a campaign donation beyond an acceptable fundraising time frame.

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Bentley, who has served as the governor since 2011, has maintained that he did not do anything illegal.

The state's auditor alleged that Bentley inappropriately utilized government resources as he sought a relationship with adviser Rebekah Mason.

Recordings emerged of Bentley making suggestive comments toward Mason in 2014.