Walker County Sheriff Arrested on Misdemeanor Charges
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith was taken into custody on Monday following a judge’s ruling that he had committed six misdemeanors. These charges are related to the hiring of a deputy who lacks the necessary certification to function in law enforcement.
Additionally, Deputy Director Ralph Williams was arrested and faces a single misdemeanor charge for allegedly providing false information to the state’s police certification board.
According to court records, these charges were filed on May 30, and both men reported to the Walker County Jail shortly after 10 AM on Monday.
The allegations against Sheriff Smith arise from his decision to hire six individuals who are not certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards Committee (APOSTC). This certification is mandated for anyone in a law enforcement position in the state. The uncertified hires include four school resource officers: Danny Alexander, Jeffrey Sparks, Sam Bennett, and Gregory Harrison.
Despite lacking proper qualifications, all six were permitted to wear official uniforms, carry firearms, exhibit badges, and even drive patrol vehicles, which raises serious concerns.
In Alabama, APOSTC accreditation necessitates that law enforcement recruits complete a 480-hour basic training course at an accredited academy. This training encompasses a variety of components like classroom instruction, physical fitness, firearm qualifications, emergency driving, and legal education. Applicants also have to pass background checks, drug tests, medical evaluations, and various exams. Notably, self-sponsoring is not allowed; only those hired by an agency can apply.
One of the hires, Neves MacDonald, particularly drew attention. Reports indicate that Sheriff Smith hired him in 2024, seeking a waiver from APOSTC based on prior law enforcement experience in Arizona. However, APOSTC rejected this request, highlighting that MacDonald’s certification in Arizona was suspended due to fraudulent activities, and he appears on a national certification index.
There are also accusations against Williams for mistakenly notifying APOSTC that MacDonald’s employment had ended when he was still on staff in November 2024.
This indictment occurs amidst broader scrutiny of Sheriff Smith’s administration. He has faced significant backlash following the death of Tony Mitchell in 2023, with over a dozen former correctional officers pleading guilty to federal charges related to his treatment.
In March, Smith made the decision to deactivate the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, attributing it to a rise in hate and negativity. What was once a platform for timely updates had devolved into a space filled with divisive comments. He also removed inmate mugshots from the department’s app, citing concerns over public embarrassment.
A whistleblower complaint appears to have been a catalyst for the investigation that led to these current charges. It has been reported that the agent who filed this complaint was initially terminated, but later reinstated following an appeal to the Public Service Commission.
All charges brought against Smith and Williams are misdemeanors. District Attorney Bill Adair is set to hold a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the case. As Smith seeks reelection, he has yet to publicly address the charges.
