Walker County Sheriff indicted and arrested for hiring uncertified deputies

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith was arrested Monday after a grand jury indicted him on six misdemeanor counts related to hiring deputies who were not certified to serve in law enforcement roles.

Chief Deputy Ralph Williams was also indicted and arrested on a single misdemeanor charge for allegedly providing false information to the state’s police certification commission.

According to court records, the indictments were issued May 30, and the two men turned themselves in to the Walker County Jail just after 10 a.m. Monday.

The charges stem from the sheriff’s decision to employ six individuals who were not certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC), which is required by law for law enforcement positions in the state. The uncertified hires include four individuals appointed as school resource officers—Danny Alexander, Jeffrey Sparks, Sam Bennett, and Gregory Harrison—along with one jailer, Justin Kelley, and one deputy, Andrew Neves-McDonald.

Despite lacking APOSTC credentials, all six were permitted to wear official uniforms, carry firearms, display badges, and, in some cases, drive patrol vehicles.

To receive APOSTC certification in Alabama, individuals must be hired by a law enforcement agency and then complete a 480-hour basic training course at an accredited academy. The training includes classroom instruction, physical fitness, firearms qualification, emergency driving, and legal coursework. Applicants must also pass a background check, drug screening, medical evaluation, and various written and practical exams. Self-sponsorship is not allowed; only agency-hired officers may apply.

Neves-McDonald’s appointment drew particular scrutiny. According to WBRC, Smith hired him in 2024 and sought a waiver from APOSTC based on his prior law enforcement service in Arizona. However, APOSTC denied the waiver, noting that Neves-McDonald’s Arizona certification had been suspended for misconduct and that he appeared on the National Decertification Index.

Williams is accused of falsely reporting to APOSTC that Neves-McDonald had been terminated in November 2024, when he remained employed by the department.

The indictments come amid broader controversy surrounding the sheriff’s administration. Sheriff Smith previously faced public criticism for the jail’s handling of the 2023 death of inmate Tony Mitchell, who died following alleged abuse and neglect. More than a dozen former correctional officers have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with Mitchell’s treatment.

In March, Smith deactivated the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page, citing “hate, negativity, and vitriol.” Sheriff Smith stated that while the platform was once used for timely updates, it had become a forum for divisive and hostile comments. He also removed inmate mugshots from the department’s app, saying they contributed to public humiliation.

A whistleblower complaint reportedly played a role in the investigation that led to the current charges. WVUA 23 reported that a deputy who filed the complaint was initially terminated but later reinstated following an appeal to the Civil Service Board.

All charges filed against Smith and Williams are misdemeanors. District Attorney Bill Adair is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday to address the case. Smith, who is currently seeking re-election, has not commented publicly on the indictments.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].