In Hanceville, Alabama, nearly 60 felony cases are being dismissed due to extensive corruption within the local police department. A grand jury investigation revealed that 58 criminal cases were compromised by misconduct involving four officers and the police chief, who were indicted for mishandling or removing evidence from the department’s evidence room.

An audit by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations found that nearly 40% of the department’s 650 evidence bags and almost a third of its firearms were undocumented. Additionally, various items, including cash, guns, and drugs, were reported missing.

In response to these findings, Hanceville Mayor Jimmy Sawyer placed the entire police department on leave in February and announced plans in March to disband and rebuild it. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily taken over law enforcement duties in the town.

This incident has significantly impacted the town of approximately 3,200 residents, located about 45 miles north of Birmingham. The grand jury recommended the immediate abolition of the police department, citing a “rampant culture of corruption.”

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker stated that most of the dismissed cases were drug-related, with only a few involving personal crimes with victims.

This case underscores the critical importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and uphold justice.