HANCEVILLE, Ala. — A Cullman County grand jury has recommended the immediate dissolution of the Hanceville Police Department following a months-long investigation that uncovered what it described as a “rampant culture of corruption” within the department.
The recommendation, issued on Feb. 20, follows an inquiry into the August 2024 overdose death of dispatcher Christopher Michael Willingham. The grand jury report alleges that the department’s handling of the case exposed widespread misconduct, including a failure to secure evidence, negligence in oversight, and possible criminal activity among officers.
As a result of the findings, Police Chief Jason Marlin and several officers have been arrested on charges including evidence tampering, conspiracy, and failure to report ethics violations. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has since taken over law enforcement responsibilities in Hanceville.
“The grand jury’s findings paint a troubling picture of systemic failures within the Hanceville Police Department,” the report stated. “This is not a case of a few bad actors—this is an institution fundamentally broken.”
The investigation revealed that the department’s evidence room was left unsecured, raising concerns over potential tampering. The report also noted that officers failed to follow proper procedures in handling Willingham’s overdose, which occurred in the police department’s building.
The collapse of the police department comes amid ongoing legal trouble for Hanceville’s municipal leadership. In November 2023, Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail was indicted on 15 counts of using his office for personal gain. Prosecutors allege that Nail directed city employees, including the police chief, to perform work on his personal property, further highlighting concerns about governance in the city of roughly 3,500 residents.
In response to the grand jury’s recommendation, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said his department is prepared to ensure that public safety in Hanceville is not compromised.
“The safety of the people of Hanceville is our priority,” Gentry said in a statement. “Our deputies will maintain law enforcement services while the city determines its next steps.”
City officials have not yet announced whether they will accept the grand jury’s recommendation to dissolve the police department or attempt to implement reforms.
This is a developing story.