Alabama grand jury indicts officers, calls to abolish police department

• The Hanceville police chief and four officers were indicted on multiple charges. They include tampering with evidence, unlawful drug distribution and abuse of office for personal gain. An investigation allegedly revealed negligence, which led to the death of a dispatcher, and improper handling of evidence.
• The grand jury also found unsafe conditions at the county jail.
• The Hanceville police department may be dissolved, with the sheriff’s department potentially taking over.

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In Alabama, the police chief of the Hanceville Police Department, along with four officers, has been indicted by a grand jury for running a criminal enterprise in place of providing public safety. The investigation has prompted an urgent call to immediately abolish the entire department.

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker called it “a sad day for law enforcement,” but emphasized it was “a good day for the rule of law.”

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Investigation uncovers negligence and crime

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and the attorney general led the probe into the department about 45 miles north of Birmingham. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, officials revealed that the investigation had uncovered multiple instances of negligence, leading to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Five officers, as well as one officer’s wife, face charges. They include tampering with evidence, abuse of office for personal gain and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Crocker revealed that police Chief Jason Marlin, officers Cody Alan Kelso, Jason Wilbanks, William Andrew Shelnutt, reserve officer Eric Michael Kelso and his wife, Donna Reid Kelso, were all arrested.

A grand jury found that the officers had failed to maintain evidence, making it unusable for prosecution. Investigators also found, based on surveillance footage, that the evidence room had been accessed several times by unauthorized personnel.

Dispatcher’s death linked to negligence

The investigation also revealed that negligence had contributed to the death of a dispatcher who consumed a toxic combination of drugs at work. Though no officers were indicted in connection with the death, the probe highlighted a lack of procedures and disregard for human life within the department.

Grand jury tours county jail

The grand jury, during its investigation, also toured the county jail. They found conditions that left them with no confidence in the Hanceville Police Department’s ability to maintain health and safety standards for inmates and staff.

Crocker said that the 18 members of the grand jury upheld their oath to the law. However, Crocker said the officers did not when they chose to “corrupt the system.”

“These officers find themselves on the opposite end of the laws they were sworn to uphold. Wearing a badge is an honor,” he said during a press conference.

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City mayor takes action to restore trust

Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer has vowed to work with the city council to resolve the police department’s issues. In a statement, the mayor emphasized that while justice is being served, the city’s reputation will be restored by implementing corrective actions to rebuild community trust.

If the department is dissolved, the local sheriff’s department may take over the city of about 3,200 people.