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📰 Top Alabama Sheriff Busted: Shocking Arrest Rocks Walker County Leadership
WALKER COUNTY, Ala. — In a stunning legal shakeup today, Sheriff Nick Smith and Chief Deputy Ralph Williams of Walker County were arrested following a grand jury indictment on multiple charges. The men stand accused of hiring uncertified officers to serve as deputy sheriffs and school resource officers — a move that triggered immediate statewide attention.
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👮♂️ The Charges
Smith faces six misdemeanor counts for employing individuals without proper certification from the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC).
Those hired include:
Four School Resource Officers
One jailer
One deputy
Each reportedly wore uniforms, carried guns, badges, and drove patrol vehicles .
Williams is charged with providing false information to APOSTC regarding the employment of an uncertified deputy.
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🚨 Catalyst for Arrest
One standout figure is Andrew Neves‑McDonald, hired in 2024 under the premise of prior Arizona certification. However, his credential was suspended for excessive force and flagged in the National Decertification Index. Despite this, he continued active duty in Walker County.
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🗣️ Sheriff’s Defense
In a forceful defense, Sheriff Smith called the charges “lawfare” and politically motivated — suggesting they serve rival campaigns, not law enforcement integrity.
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⚖️ Legal Stakes
Each misdemeanor can carry up to a $1,000 fine, but no jail time .
However, Gov. Ivey recently passed a new law targeting impersonation of officers — with violations punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $15,000 fines — set to take effect October 1.
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🎯 Why It Matters
This case ignites concern over misguided authority in local schools, where uncertified SROs were permitted to carry weapons and patrol campuses. The National Association of School Resource Officers described the situation as “shocking,” stressing the risk to children and communities.
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📰 What’s Next?
District Attorney Bill Adair is expected to host a press conference Tuesday morning .
The investigation could escalate into broader civil or criminal reforms in Walker County.
Smith and Williams are both released on their own recognizance, pending trial.
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🏁 Bottom Line
In what sports fans might call a “game‑changing play,” Alabama’s Walker County finds its top law enforcement leadership sidelined. The implications are far-reaching — from legal ramifications to political reverberations.
Stay tuned to ESPN for ongoing coverage and expert legal breakdowns. Want live analysis from ESPN reporters or the latest courtroom action? Just say the word!
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*This article is syndicated from local Alabama sources. Video coverage provided by WBRC via YouTube.*
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