The Columbiana City Council has placed billing clerk Amy Holley on administrative leave without pay in connection with sex related charges.

The council took the unanimous action after going into executive session for good name and character during its regular Tuesday, Feb. 17 meeting.

According to the Shelby County Sheriff&8217;s Department, Amy Michelle Holley and her husband, Charles Cleveland Holley, were arrested and posted bond for sex related offenses.

Amy was charged with sexual abuse first, sex offense-child fondling, sexual torture, abuse, sexual abuse, sodomy first, and a homosexual act with a girl under the age of 12.

She was booked on Feb. 17 and bonded out on Feb. 19 on a bond of $50,000 each offense totaling $150,000.

Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe confirmed the Amy Holley placed on leave was the same person arrested and that she was placed on leave due to an ongoing investigation by another agency other than the city.

Charles was charged with sexual abuse, first, sex offense-child fondling and sexual torture, abuse and sexual abuse. He was booked on Feb. 17 and bonded out on Feb. 21 on a bond of $20,000 each offense totaling $40,000.

&8220;In my time of knowing Amy she &8216;s never given me any reason to believe she was anything but upright and honest. And I have never known her to do or say anything inappropriate and I&8217;m sad and concerned about this issue,&8221; said Lowe.

&8220;From the first time she notified me she might be implicated in this matter, she has maintained her innocence. And until there is hard evidence to the contrary I will believe it. &8220;While we (the council) feel for Amy and this situation. We have to do what is best for the city and the perception that we are taking care of our citizens. And that&8217;s the reason the council took the action that it did.&8221;