BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Hanceville Police Department has been called to be immediately disbanded after a grand jury indicted its police chief, several officers, and the wife of one officer on a range of corruption and drug-related charges. The grand jury’s decision follows an investigation into misconduct, which included allegations of drug trafficking, evidence tampering, and misuse of official positions for personal gain.
On Wednesday, Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced that Hanceville Police Chief Jason Shane Marlin, four officers, and one of their wives had been formally charged. The charges span from tampering with evidence to distributing controlled substances, highlighting a level of corruption that officials described as deeply troubling.
The indicted individuals include:
- Jason Shane Marlin: Police Chief, charged with two counts of ethics violations for failure to file or cooperate, as well as tampering with physical evidence.
- Cody Alan Kelso: Officer, charged with two counts of computer tampering, tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, and using his official position for personal gain.
- Jason Scott Wilbanks: Officer, similarly charged with computer tampering, evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, and misuse of his official role.
- William Andrew Shelnutt: Officer, charged with tampering with physical evidence.
- Eric Michael Kelso: Officer, facing four counts of the sale/distribution of dangerous drugs, and two counts of conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.
- Donna Reid Kelso: Wife of Eric Michael Kelso, charged with two counts of the sale/distribution of dangerous drugs and two counts of conspiracy.
According to authorities, between March and August of 2024, Eric Michael Kelso and his wife allegedly supplied anabolic steroids to officers Cody Alan Kelso and Wilbanks. These drugs were reportedly obtained illegally and distributed while the officers were on duty. Evidence suggests the drugs were sourced from a local hospital where Donna Kelso previously worked, though the hospital’s involvement has not been confirmed. In addition to steroids, Eric Kelso is also accused of distributing hydrocodone and Adderall.
During a press conference, District Attorney Crocker revealed disturbing details regarding the department’s evidence room, which was allegedly used for storing drugs and other contraband. A photo shown during the briefing depicted an employee using a broom to pry open the evidence room’s door, further indicating the lack of security and proper procedure within the department.
“An evidence room is supposed to be a secure location for the safekeeping of critical materials related to ongoing investigations,” Crocker stated. “But in this case, it was used as a storage space for drugs and other illicit items.”
In addition to the criminal activities, the grand jury also linked the department’s failure to establish proper procedures and oversight to the tragic death of dispatcher Chris Willingham. Willingham was found dead at the department on August 23, 2024, from a drug overdose involving fentanyl, gabapentin, and several other substances. The grand jury directly attributed his death to the department’s “negligence, lack of procedure, general incompetence, and disregard for human life.”
Marlin, who was appointed chief in August 2024, following the resignation of the former chief, is accused of failing to report the misconduct of officers Cody Kelso and Wilbanks despite being informed by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation about their ethics violations. Prior to his tenure in Hanceville, Marlin served 20 years with the Birmingham Police Department.
In light of the indictments, the grand jury called for the immediate abolition of the Hanceville Police Department, declaring it a threat to public safety and more akin to a criminal organization than a legitimate law enforcement agency. The department, which has nine officers and a budget of approximately $1.47 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, is now under intense scrutiny.
Following the grand jury’s findings, Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer issued a statement reaffirming the city’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with investigations. He expressed regret over the actions of the officers involved and emphasized that corrective actions would be taken swiftly.
“The City of Hanceville is committed to providing its citizens with the best possible community,” Sawyer said. “We deeply regret the negative impact this situation has had on our city’s reputation and the people who rely on us for safety and service.”
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry also weighed in, stating that the focus now was on ensuring the safety of Hanceville’s citizens and ensuring justice for those involved in the corruption.
“We will ensure the safety of our community while the investigation continues,” Gentry said. “This is a sad chapter, but good law enforcement will always prevail.”
As investigations continue, the city of Hanceville and the wider community are grappling with the fallout from what has been described as one of the most significant corruption scandals to hit the region in recent years.
