Madison County candidate arrested on cocaine charge

Montgomery Advertiser

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- Greg Goodwin, a Republican candidate for Madison County coroner, has been arrested on a charge of cocaine possession, but is staying in the race, his attorney says.

Goodwin was arrested Thursday by the Madison-Morgan County Strategic Counterdrug Team after patrol officers stopped him in a vehicle.

Huntsville Police Chief Rex Reynolds said the 38-year-old Goodwin was booked at the Madison County jail and released on $1,000 bond.

Goodwin's attorney, Robert Patterson, said said his client will enter a not guilty plea and stay in the race against four-term incumbent Bobby Berryhill, a Democrat.

Goodwin's court date will likely be held after the Nov. 7 general election.

Madison County Republican chairman John Noel said no attempt will be made to replace Goodwin on the ballot unless he is convicted.