Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker has released the findings of a recent audit of the Hanceville Police Department’s evidence room. The audit, conducted by State Bureau of Investigation Agent Jamie King, revealed missing substances, prescription pills, and a firearm. It also detailed multiple discrepancies in the department’s record-keeping and security protocols.
According to the report, the following items were found missing from the evidence room:
- 216 grams of Methamphetamine/Amphetamine
- 1.5 grams of Cocaine
- 67 Oxycodone pills
- 4 Adderall pills
- 0.5 grams of Heroin
- 4 Clonazepam pills
- 39 Gabapentin pills
- 5 Tizanidine (muscle relaxer) pills
- 5 Methocarbamol (muscle relaxer) pills
- 1 Suboxone strip
- One .25 caliber handgun
In addition to these items, approximately 30 undocumented firearms were discovered in the evidence room. Crocker emphasized that these results are preliminary and that a more detailed list will follow after the final audit report is completed.
The audit was initiated following the death of Hanceville Police Department Officer Chris Willingham. Crocker revealed that he had previously advised Hanceville Police Chief Marlin to contact the SBI for assistance, a recommendation that was initially declined. Ultimately, Crocker requested SBI intervention on August 30, and Agent King was assigned to the investigation.
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Security footage reviewed during the investigation showed that the evidence room was highly insecure. Various individuals gained access by inserting a broomstick through a hole in the wall.
Additionally, Crocker expressed concern over recent data from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), which indicates Hanceville has the highest per capita rate of drug overdose EMS calls in Alabama, with 7.65 calls per 10,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than other municipalities like Warrior (5.32), Adamsville (4.73), Anniston (3.64), and Bessemer (3.05).
In response to the audit’s findings, DA Crocker commended the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office for their recent efforts to protect Hanceville residents. He advised that if the Hanceville Police Department is reinstated, felony cases should be handled by either the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
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The findings have raised serious concerns about the handling of evidence within the Hanceville Police Department and underscore the need for improved security and oversight in local law enforcement operations.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
