Newly appointed Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall Wednesday confirmed that Gov. Robert Bentley is a target of a criminal investigation. Marshall announced he's recusing himself from the probe, and appointed former Montgomery County DA Ellen Brooks to lead it. Marshall -- a Bentley appointee -- this week said he would step aside, if he determined his office was investigating the governor. Marshall said that, after meeting with staff, he determined it was necessary to recuse himself. Lawmakers launched an impeachment investigation of Bentley, amid charges he misused state resources while pursuing an extramarital affair with senior adviser Rebekah Mason. That effort was put on hold last November at the request of then-state attorney general Luther Strange, who said his office was pursuing "related work." House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) said the panel's work would resume, and that the matter would get to the floor for a vote before the end of the session. An attorney representing Bentley, Bill Athanas, issued a statement saying: "The Governor plans to cooperate fully in the Attorney General’s investigation."