Crenshaw County commissioner Ed Beasley pleaded guilty to a communications felony last Thursday, according to court documents.

According to the factual basis section of the document, Beasley distributed a substance containing Hydrocodone, a federally controlled substance, in Pike County on Feb. 25.

The account says that Beasley used a cell phone to set up a meeting place to distribute the controlled substance, which led to a communications charge in the plea agreement.

In the agreement, Beasley pleaded guilty to one count of “Communication Facility,” which states that it is unlawful to use a communication facility to commit, cause or facilitate a felony.

Attorney Mike Jones said Beasley is unable to comment because the sentencing portion of the case has not been concluded.

Jones also said that sentencing is expected sometime in the next 60 days.

Under state law, when a person holding a public office is convicted of a felony, the office is immediately vacated.

“It’s in the governor’s hands whether or not there will be an appointment,” said commission chairman Ronnie Hudson.

As of Wednesday, it was still unknown whether the County Commission District 3 seat will remain vacant until the November election or if an appointment will be made by Governor Riley.

Todd Stacy, the governor’s press secretary, said on Wednesday that Riley’s office had only just received official notification of the vacancy, and he wasn’t sure there would be an appointment.

“We will review the case and a decision will be forthcoming,” Stacy said.

More information will be posted online at www.luvernejournal.com as it becomes available.