HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Officials announced on Wednesday that a grand jury has recommended the dissolution of the Hanceville Police Department due to what they described as a “pervasive culture of corruption.” This recommendation follows the indictment of Police Chief Jason Marlin and four officers on various charges, including allegations of improperly handling and removing items from the department’s evidence storage.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker held a news briefing to share the grand jury’s findings, highlighting the dark day for law enforcement, but also expressing optimism for the rule of law.
The grand jury conducted a thorough investigation, which involved reviewing video footage from the evidence room, leading to their damning assessment of the police department. They concluded that the agency had functioned more like a “criminal enterprise” than a legitimate law enforcement body. Hanceville is a small community with an approximate population of 3,200, located around 45 miles north of Birmingham.
One particularly troubling aspect raised by Crocker was the lack of security surrounding the evidence room. Evidence presented included photographs illustrating a breach in the wall and a broomstick that had been improvised to gain unauthorized access to the locked area.
The grand jury’s findings also indicated that negligence within the department contributed to the 2024 death of a dispatcher who was found unresponsive at work, with a suspected drug overdose as the cause. While the details surrounding the dispatcher’s death were not fully elaborated upon, Crocker noted that the evidence room was not secure, granting the dispatcher access on his last working day.
Three officers have been implicated in drug-related offenses; however, Crocker clarified that these incidents were not connected to any substances connected to evidence management. Court documents reveal that one officer is facing charges related to the distribution of hydrocodone and steroids.
As for Police Chief Marlin, it remains unclear whether he has retained legal representation, as court records did not indicate an attorney acting on his behalf. Additionally, attempts to reach him through a listed number did not yield immediate response.
In light of these developments, Hanceville Mayor Jimmy Sawyer issued a statement indicating that the city council will closely review the grand jury’s recommendations in order to take “swift and decisive” action regarding the identified issues within the Police Department. He expressed regret that the misconduct of a few individuals has marred the reputation of the city.
