FORT MORGAN, Ala. (WKRG) – Current ALEA Secretary Stan Stabler confirms that a flight was made to deliver Governor Bentley’s wallet to Fort Morgan, but said it falls under The Code of Alabama Section 36-33-2.

He said a flight was also not specifically requested by the governor as a method of transportation for the wallet. Stabler said the decision was approved through the chain of command by Former Secretary Spencer Collier, while sources originally said it was facilitated without approval.

“The Dignitary Protection Unit of ALEA does what is necessary to protect and safeguard its protectees and provide assistance to ensure protectees are fully prepared to perform their duties as constitutional officers. Often, items are relayed to protectees – whether it be files, a briefcase, medicine, etc.,” Secretary of Law Enforcement Stan Stabler said. “During December 2014, I received notification from Governor Bentley that he traveled to his home in Fort Morgan and inadvertently left his wallet in Tuscaloosa. As customary with a request made by a protectee, I contacted my chain of command and ultimately received approval from former Secretary Spencer Collier, to utilize ALEA’s aviation unit to pick-up and deliver the wallet. I want to be clear, Governor Bentley did not request a specific method be used to relay his wallet from Tuscaloosa to Fort Morgan – the decision to utilize department equipment to facilitate the request was made through ALEA’s chain of command, using standard agency protocol.”

Spencer Collier disputed Stabler’s claims and said that Governor Bentley gave Stabler (Protective Services Chief) the authority to use the aircraft on behalf of the governor without going up the chain of command. In a statement sent to News 5, he said: