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Hanceville, AL – A Cullman County grand jury has recommended the immediate abolishment of the Hanceville Police Department, citing a “rampant culture of corruption.” Five officers, including Police Chief Jason Shane Marlin, and the spouse of one officer, were indicted and arrested Wednesday.
District Attorney Champ Crocker announced the charges, calling it a “sad day for law enforcement, but a good day for the rule of law.” The investigation focused on the department’s unsecured evidence room and the death of police dispatcher Christopher Michael Willingham.
Willingham, 49, was found dead at work from a drug overdose. The grand jury attributed his death to the department’s “negligence, lack of procedure, general incompetence and disregard for human life.” While no one was charged in Willingham’s death, Crocker highlighted the unsecured evidence room and Willingham’s access to it.
The grand jury found the evidence room “unusable” due to mishandling and a failure to preserve evidence. Chief Marlin faces charges of failing to report an ethics crime and tampering with physical evidence.
Officers Cody Alan Kelso and Jason Scott Wilbanks were charged with computer tampering, tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, and using their position for personal gain. Officer William Andrew Shelnutt was charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Reserve officer Eric Michael Kelso and his wife, Donna Reid Kelso, face drug distribution and conspiracy charges unrelated to the evidence room.
All defendants have been released on bond. Sheriff Matt Gentry pledged to ensure the safety of Hanceville residents, while Mayor Jim Sawyer promised swift action to address the issues within the police department. The mayor expressed regret for the negative impact on the community and city employees.