Candidate Lodmell faces April court date

Congressional candidate Ben Lodmell of Mobile faces an April 10 court date on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute, according to newly released filings in Baldwin County District Court.

Lodmell, 36, was arrested Jan. 31 in Daphne for allegedly offering a female undercover agent $100 for sex.

If found guilty in the bench trial before District Judge Michelle Hart, he faces up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine. Currently free on $5,000 bail, Lodmell intends to plead innocent, according to his attorney, Dennis Knizley of Mobile.

Lodmell, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, said almost two weeks ago that he planned to stay in the race but would soon issue a news release “clarifying my approach.” As of late Wednesday afternoon, he had not done so and could not be reached for comment.

Candidate faces April court date

Lodmell and others’ mugshots