HUNTSVILLE — Embattled City Councilman Devyn Keith spoke before Thursday’s Huntsville City Council meeting promising not to be “a distraction.”

Then, after the 5-plus minute statement, Keith recused himself and walked out of the council chamber.

Keith has been accused of nearly three dozen incidents involving shoplifting from Huntsville Walmart stores. He was arrested last week for allegedly shoplifting and was booked again this week into the Madison County Jail after four new arrest warrants related to theft of property were sworn out. The warrants all stem from different occasions and were requested Monday by Walmart.

“This has been the longest week of my life,” he said. “I came here to discuss me … I know this moment was necessary.”

Keith apologized to “every city employee, to every colleague” and to his family, mentioning his mother and grandmother “whose tears I wish I could give back.”

After an apology to the community and District 1 because the spotlight was on him instead of the residents, he said, “It is so easy to have no comment, so easy to hide.

“I will be accountable.”

The councilman promised to “be a better man” who will “never be a distraction from the business of this great city.

“I promise you there will be a better Devyn Keith tomorrow than you know today.”