Alabama's big ju judge wants to “quickly” abolish the local police station when the investigation discovers a “culture of corrupt ramp escalation” after one of its dispatchers has died.
Eighteen large ju apprentices have discovered that the Hansville Police Department is a “special and continuous threat to public safety,” Crocker, the Calman County District Attorney's Champion, said. Press conference on wednesday.
“The Hansville Police Department, which has recently been operating as a more criminal enterprise than law enforcement, has a ramp-prolonged culture of corruption,” Crocker said.
Ju-searched said he had “no confidence” in the department's management capabilities.
Hansville Police Chief Jason Merlin, officers Cody Alan Kelso, Drew Shelnutt, Jason Wilbanks, reserve Eric Michael Kelso and his wife Donna Kelso follow the department's investigation. He was arrested and charged. It has been reported.
The investigation began after Hansville dispatcher Christopher Michael Willingham, 49, died of a toxic drug combination at work on August 23, 2024.
Willingham's death was determined to be a direct result of the Hansville Police Department's negligence, lack of proceedings, general incompetence and neglect of human life.
“There was nothing safe about the evidence room, and when Willingham was discovered, there was evidence in his office,” Crocker said.
Crocker revealed a photo of a huge hole in the wall leading to the evidence room, saying the broom was repeatedly used to keep the door open.
“Criminal evidence must be secured to have evidence of prosecution and ensure legitimate proceedings,” he said. “This evidence room was not safe.”
The autopsy report of the state medical inspector showed that the dispatcher had “fentanyl, gabapentin, diazepam, amphetamine, carizoprodol and metocarbamol” in his system when he died.
“Like many others,” Willingham was given access to the evidence room and he could have been exposed to fentanyl because the fatal drugs were not stored in a safe place, according to DA. said.
The officer has not been charged with the death of the dispatcher.
The large ju judge said the department “could not explain, maintain, and maintain the evidence, and in doing so it failed the victims of the crime and the public” and “cannot use the evidence” I stated.
Crocker revealed that Merlin, who was appointed chief in March, was charged with two counts of failing to report an ethical crime, and was tampering with physical evidence.
Officers Cody Alan Kelso and Wilbanks were charged with altering computers, altering physical evidence, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, and using official positions for personal gain.
Shelnutt was charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Eric and Donakelso were charged with the illegal distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances, Crocker said.
They all surrendered to the Kalman County Jail on Wednesday and have already been released on bonds.
Following the arrest, the Kalman County Sheriff's Office will handle the city's law enforcement issues, with a population of about 3,000.
“It's a sad day for law enforcement and at the same time a good day for the rule of law,” Crocker said.
Hansville Mayor Jim Sawyer said he and the city council will “consider all recommendations carefully and act promptly and decisively to address issues within the police station,” and “openly take necessary corrective actions.” “We will actively pursue and implement this.”
“We deeply regret the negative impact this situation has had on our community and the hardworking employees of our city,” he said. statement.
“It's a shame that a few actions have hurt our city's good names.”
