Scorched

The Alabama Fire College scandal that's been simmering since late 2004 claimed its first public official today when state Rep. Bryant Melton, D-Tuscaloosa, pleaded guilty to two federal crimes and a state felony count in connection with the investigation, which revealed that he took $68,000 of state money for personal use. Melton won his primary race earlier this month, but the felony plea nonetheless will oust him from the Legislature.