James Graves is seen in this Times file photo.

Former Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves has been removed from his seat on the local Republican Party Executive Committee.

Members voted Wednesday after reading the news that Graves had been charged and arrested for felony sexual abuse involving a minor.

“Everybody was very shocked,” Waid Harbison, local GOP chairman said. “He was very respected in the party and for his service in public office. I’ve known him probably 10 years and this is something no one ever thought could happen.”

Graves was arrested Wednesday after investigators for the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office questioned him about the allegations. He is being held at the Cullman County Detention Center on a $15,000 bond.

“As soon as we heard about it we got things rolling. It takes a two-thirds majority to remove someone from the executive committee and it pretty much unanimous among the members,” Harbison said. “We didn’t want the controversy or the image associated with this kind of charge because of the principles we have within the party.”

In an official statement, Harbison wrote: 

“We are saddened to have to take action to remove James Graves from the Cullman County Republican Party Executive Committee. James has been a strong community leader in the past, and we are all surprised at the recent developments; however, his actions do not reflect the morals or beliefs of the Republican party on a local or national level. The committee moved today to ensure that we protect strong, conservative principles, and to do what was right for the local party. We will always stand up and advocate for what is right, even if it means standing up to someone within our own party.”