An Alabama grand jury has called for the immediate abolition of a local police department due to a pervasive culture of corruption discovered within its ranks following the tragic death of one of its dispatchers.
The grand jury, consisting of eighteen jurors, expressed their lack of confidence in the Hanceville Police Department’s ability to operate safely, branding it as a continuous threat to public safety. Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker highlighted the department’s alarming state during a press conference on Wednesday, labeling it as more of a criminal enterprise than a law enforcement agency.
The investigation into the department was launched following the death of Hanceville dispatcher Christopher Michael Willingham, who passed away on August 23, 2024, due to a toxic drug combination while at work. The grand jury found that Willingham’s death was a direct result of the department’s negligence, lack of procedure, incompetence, and disregard for human life.
Photos revealed by Crocker showcased a massive hole in the wall leading to the evidence room, with a broom repeatedly used to prop open the door. The evidence room was found to be highly insecure, with criminal evidence left unsecured, compromising potential prosecutions and due process.
The autopsy report revealed that Willingham had a mix of drugs in his system at the time of his death, including fentanyl, gabapentin, diazepam, amphetamine, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol. The lack of secure storage for deadly substances like fentanyl within the department put employees at risk of exposure.
Following the investigation, Hanceville Police Chief Jason Marlin, along with Officers Cody Alan Kelso, Drew Shelnut, and Jason Wilbanks, reserve officer Eric Michael Kelso, and his wife Donna Kelso were arrested and charged. Marlin faces charges of failure to report ethics crimes and tampering with physical evidence, while the other officers face charges ranging from computer tampering to conspiracy to commit controlled substance crimes.
In light of the arrests, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will take over law enforcement duties for the city of Hanceville. Mayor Jim Sawyer expressed regret over the situation, promising swift and decisive action to address the department’s issues and implement necessary corrective measures openly and aggressively.
The community of Hanceville is left reeling from the impact of the scandal, with Sawyer acknowledging the tarnishing of the city’s reputation due to the actions of a few individuals. The city council and officials are committed to restoring trust and integrity within the police department for the betterment of the community.
