Bessemer City Councilwoman Louise Alexander has been found not guilty on five corruption related issues.

A jury of eight women and four men took about four hours Monday afternoon before returning the not guilty verdicts on charges of solicitation and using her office for personal gain. 

Alexander was accused to soliciting money from Tuscaloosa businessman Stan Pate for personal use. 

Prosecutors had claimed Alexander funneled almost $20,000 from Pate into her personal checking account.  Her defense lawyer, former federal judge U W. Clemon told the jury the money was used for gifts for students and teachers in the Bessemer public schools and for toy giveaways and a senior citizens banquet.