Herman Barnes/Courtesy: Lee County Detention Facility

An Opelika mayoral candidate has been charged with perjury.

According to court records, on June 24, 2025, 61-year-old Herman Barnes swore under penalty of perjury and signed a statement of candidacy to run for elected office with the city of Opelika knowing that he was not a resident of the city and not qualified to run.

According to those same records, Barnes lives in Dadeville.

Barnes finished third in the mayor’s race in Opelika with two percent of the vote.

He is charged with second degree perjury and is currently out on bond.

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