Disgraced ex-Alabama State Representative Oliver Robinson was released from federal prison one week ago today due to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to al.com.

Robinson was given over $360,000 in bribes in a criminal scheme born in the offices of Balch & Bingham to suppress African-Americans in North Birmingham from having their toxic property tested by the EPA. Robinson had been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.

Ex-Drummond Executive David Roberson and ex-Balch & Bingham partner Joel I. Gilbert have also been sentenced to federal prison although their cases are currently on appeal.

Returning to home confinement, Robinson has emerged as a key witness in two pending cases: David Roberson’s $50 million civil lawsuit against Balch and Drummond Company; and a potentially devastating civil RICO lawsuit from Burt Newsome against Balch, Alabama Power, and others.

Robinson, who DOJ insiders told us was “genuinely remorseful,” will be able to connect the dots and lay out the other Balch lawyers and stooges involved in the North Birmingham Bribery Scheme.

More importantly, Robinson could possibly testify about a pattern of alleged unsavory conduct involving Balch, Alabama Power, and state and local officials.

Judge Carole Smitherman, the Queen of the corrupt Star Chamber that screwed over Burt Newsome, and her husband State Senator Rodger Smitherman who received over $30,000 from Balch affiliated entities or allies, were close friends with Robinson.

Now Robinson must demonstrate that remorse and testify, with no restraint, about the truth.

Reconciliation cannot happen without heartfelt penance.