JASPER, AL – Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith and Chief Deputy Ralph Williams have been indicted by a grand jury, facing serious allegations tied to the employment of uncertified officers within the sheriff’s department. The charges were announced following their arrest earlier today, raising concerns about law enforcement practices in the area.
The indictment reveals that the Walker County Sheriff’s Office had hired six deputies who lacked the necessary Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training (APOST) certification, rendering them ineligible to serve as law enforcement officers. Notably, four of these individuals were assigned as school resource officers, a position that required them to carry firearms and wear uniforms within Walker County schools, actions they were not authorized to perform.
The grand jury’s indictment outlines six misdemeanor charges against Sheriff Smith for violating employment standards for law enforcement officers. It specifically highlights that he was aware of the officers’ lack of certification. Meanwhile, Chief Deputy Williams is facing a separate charge of providing false or misleading information. The indictment accuses Williams of falsely reporting to APOST that one of the uncertified deputies had been terminated, despite the individual remaining employed by the sheriff’s office.
The unfolding legal situation has sparked a wave of reactions within the community, with parents and school officials expressing concern about the presence of uncertified officers in schools. The case has also raised broader questions about oversight and accountability within the sheriff’s department.
In response to the charges, Walker County District Attorney Bill Adair announced plans to hold a press conference tomorrow morning to address the community and provide further details on the case. The press conference is expected to shed light on the investigation’s findings and outline the next steps in the legal process.