CULLMAN – On Wednesday, Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey announced two arrests had been made in connection with several burglaries to both residential homes and storage units throughout the county between November and mid-December of this year.
 
“The thefts occurred from several different areas within the county and were not from any one specific geographical area,” Sheriff Mike Rainey said. “Investigators and CNET agents were able to develop leads and witnesses that led them to the identity of a male and female suspect.”
 
Rainey said both William Shawn Driskell, 32, of Hanceville, and Brandy Roxanne Cross, 32, of Cullman, have been charged with one count of Burglary-3rd degree. Investigators are awaiting additional warrants stemming from this investigation.
 
“Capt. Jon Montgomery, Lt. Doug Duke, Inv. Randy Frost and CNET agents were the lead investigators who were responsible for developing the leads and recovery of property, which led to the arrest of Driskell and Cross,” he said. The investigation has led to the clearance of four residential burglaries exceeding $5,000.”
 
A portion of the suspected stolen items have been recovered, however, investigators are continuing their pursuit to locate the remainder of the stolen property. Rainey asked if anyone has information pertaining to the burglaries, or if someone feels they may have purchased any of the stolen items, to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.
 
“We urge anyone who has purchased property from William Shawn Driskell or Brandy Cross to contact the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office in order for us to determine if the property may have been stolen,” he said.
 
Among the items recovered were a table, chairs, costume jewelry, class rings, stuffed animals, flat screen televisions, tools, and a bible.
 
Rainey asked that residents be diligent when it comes to properly securing your home, car or storage unit. One key point, Rainey said, is to have neighbors watching out for other neighbors.
 
“As Sheriff I urge citizens to report to the sheriff’s office any strange or suspicious activity around your or your neighbor’s homes. Many of these crimes occurred during the daylight hours when the victims were at work, so we all need to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.”
 
William Shawn Driskell remains in the Cullman County Detention Center with a $15,000 cash bond. Brandy Roxanne Cross is currently out of jail on a $5,000 property bond.

Update from Sheriff Mike Rainey:
 
Fredrick William Galin 71 years of age. We are investigating it as a homicide. Cause of death unknown at this time.
 
CULLMAN – According to Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey, 71-year-old Fredrick William Galin was found deceased in his home on St. Joseph Dr. Thursday evening, prompting authorities to treat the situation as a possible homicide.
 
“The man’s caregiver came to the home earlier this evening. When the man could not be reached the caregiver called the police department,” Sheriff Rainey said.
 
Once officials arrived on scene, officers had to make a forcible entry into the residence, where the elderly gentleman was found.
 
“They forced their way in and he was deceased there inside the door. At this time we do suspect foul play but as far as cause of death we don’t have that right now,” he said.

CULLMAN - Officers with the Cullman Police Department are investigating a stabbing incident between two unnamed males, which has sent one man to the hospital and another man to jail.

 
CPD officer Jerry Perkins said the initial call came in as a dispute in progress.

"The initial call was a dispute in progress, a fight, then it was called back in as a stabbing," Officer Perkins said. "The incident occurred somewhere between I-65 and Hwy. 278, near the Days Inn."

 
Neither the victim or the suspect's name have been released at this time, as the incident is still under investigation.

 
The victim has been transported to CRMC. His injuries are unclear but one officer on the scene said they did not appear to be life threatening.

 
"A male fitting the description of the suspect has been arrested for public intoxication, but we are still investigating his involvement, or non-involvement, with the incident," Officer Perkins said. "The victim has been transported to the hospital."

 
Check with CullmanSense.com for more information on this incident as more details are made available.

CULLMAN – Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, officers with the Cullman Police Department responded to a call of deceased man in a wooded area off West Main Ave.
 
Joel Robert Adcock Jr., 53, of Vinemont, was found in a wooded area between Lessman St. and Graham St. by a juvenile who was testing out his new air rifle during the early stages of Christmas Day.
 
“A juvenile male did find Mr. Adcock’s body in the wooded area off of West Main Ave, but we are not releasing his name or age,” CPD Assistant Chief Craig Green said. “The juvenile was testing out his bb gun when he made the discovery.”
 
The boy immediately told his parents, who in turn notified the police department. Green said the death appears to be an accidental overdose.
 
“We want to be respectful to the family, friends and people who knew him, but what we believe happened is that he had an accidental overdose,” Green said. “Found around him, are things we believe will turn out to be the cause of his death, which may be accidental, but it led to an overdose.”
 
Green said a total of four cans of compressed air were found around Adcock’s body when officers arrived to the scene.
 
“What we believe is that he was taking the canned air and was huffing that,” he said. “I say that because right at his head was one can, and around him were three additional, so four total cans were found right around him.”
 
Green said there were no indications of foul play, stating “there were no markings, signs of struggle, bullet wounds or cuts,” and that “only the canned air” was found at the scene.

Four arrests made in marijuana grow
 
CULLMAN – A child welfare check led to the discovery of a marijuana grow operation and consequently four arrests at a home located on County Road 821 in Cullman County.
 
“The whole case started at 11 a.m. Saturday [Dec. 28] as an initial call for a welfare check on a child,” Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey said. “Sgt. Terry Smith and K-9 deputy Kevin Lewis responded to the residence where they knocked on the door. As they were standing in the doorway they could smell a very strong odor of marijuana.”
 
The deputies waited at the front door while Christopher Butts retrieved the child from inside the home for a quick inspection. Sheriff Rainey said once the child was looked at, the deputies asked Butts if they could come inside the home for a closer inspection.
 
“They (Sgt. Smith and Deputy Lewis) asked for permission to enter the residence but they were told they could not enter. At this time the deputies detained all four adults inside the residence,” Sheriff Rainey said.
 
Christopher Butts, 42, Sonja Franks, 46, Stephen Franks, 22, and Amber Nixon, 22, were detained until a search warrant could be issued by a Cullman County judge. The home is not registered to any of the suspects, according to Rainey, but it was concluded that the four lived together.
 
“After obtaining a search warrant agents with CNET entered the home where they discovered several glass jars with marijuana buds,” he said. “An outbuilding was also searched and inside agents discovered a three room system for growing marijuana.”
 
Rainey said the search warrant issued included the outbuilding in its description.
 
“When our K-9 deputy Kevin Lewis was walking the area, his K-9 partner indicated the presence of narcotics inside the outbuilding, so CNET added it to the list,” he said. “Once inside, approximately 30 marijuana plants were discovered in the somewhat elaborate setup.”
 
Each of the suspects, Butts, Sonja and Stephen Franks, and Nixon were each charged with trafficking marijuana and were sent to Cullman County Detention Center, each on a $1 million bond.
 
Nixon was also charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance after deputies found a small amount of heroin in her possession. She is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
 
“I just want to say what a good job both Sgt. Terry Smith and K-9 deputy Kevin Lewis did handling this situation,” he said. “They arrived on scene to investigate a child in need and because of their alertness, we were able to make four trafficking arrests.”
 
Stephen Franks bonded out Sunday, while the other three are currently being held at the Cullman County Detention Center.
 
Rainey said DHR was notified of the situation. He said the child was released to a family member.
 
Christopher Butts serves as the Executive Director of the Alabama Medical Marijuana Coalition. According to the group’s website, the AMMJC "is an organization dedicated to the rights of patients. Its primary focus is organizing individuals and groups in the common goal of changing the laws concerning medical marijuana for patients in Alabama. It is the position of AMMJC that excessive government regulations infringe on the physician’s ability and the patient’s right to properly treat their ailment. It is our goal, through aggressive legislation, community involvement and education to end these infringements and protect the rights and liberties of all Alabama patients."
 
For more on the coalition visit, http://www.ammjc.org/
 
Additional charges may still be pressed against each of the four residents arrested on Saturday.

UPDATED - The Cullman County Sheriff's Dive Team spent the morning hours on Friday combing a section of Lake George, located on County Road 1338 in Vinemont, for evidence that links two suspects to the murder investigation of 71-year-old Cullman County resident William Fredrick Galin.
 
"As Sheriff of Cullman County I am pleased to announce to you today that we have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder investigation of Fredrick William Galin. Fredrick Galin, age 71, was discovered murdered in his home located on St. Joseph Drive here in Cullman in the late evening hours of December 19th 2013," Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey said. "Since that time the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently searching for the person’s responsible for this heinous crime. At this time our department is still conducting additional interviews and trying to secure additional physical evidence related to this murder investigation."
 
 
Presently John Edward Cole has been charged Theft of Property 1st degree which stems from the theft of a 1966 Chevrolet Super Sport stolen from the murder victim on Monday Decemeber 16, 2013 and Receiving Stolen Property 1st degree. It is on this date that we believe the victim was murdered. Robert Esby Jr. has been charged with one count of Burglary 3rd degree and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree, both unlreated to the murder investigation. However, Esby Jr. has been linked to this murder investigation. Bond for John Edward Cole and Robert Esby Jr. has been set at $200,000.00 cash each. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office anticipates filing additional formal charges against both John Edward Cole and Robert Esby Jr. in the near future.

Full document available here.

Check with CullmanSense.com for more information as details emerge.

 
 
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
 
Original document available here.
 
As Sheriff of Cullman County I am pleased to announce to you today that we have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder investigation of Fredrick William Galin. Fredrick Galin, age 71, was discovered murdered in his home located on St. Joseph Drive here in Cullman in the late evening hours of December 19th 2013. Since that time the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently searching for the person’s responsible for this heinous crime. At this time our department is still conducting additional interviews and trying to secure additional physical evidence related to this murder investigation.
 
Presently John Edward Cole has been charged Theft of Property 1st degree which stems from the theft of a 1966 Chevrolet Super Sport stolen from the murder victim on Monday Decemeber 16, 2013 and Receiving Stolen Property 1st degree. It is on this date that we believe the victim was murdered. Robert Esby Jr. has been charged with two counts of Burglary 3rd degree and also been linked to this murder investigation. Bond for John Edward Cole and Robert Esby Jr. has been set at $200,000.00 cash each. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office anticipates filing additional formal charges against both John Edward Cole and Robert Esby Jr. in the near future.
 
As Sheriff of Cullman County I would like to thank my command staff, investigators and patrol deputies, all of which played a vital role in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion. I also want to extend a special thanks to the many, many citizens that came forward with relevant information concerning this investigation.
 
It is at times such as this that I reflect on what an honor it is to service as Sheriff of Cullman County, thank you for giving me that opportunity.
 
by

Noah Chandler

CULLMAN – Jeffery Hugh Brown, 37, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of 1-year-old Hoss Wayne Benham that occurred around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11; an event that investigators are calling suspicious in nature.
 
“The Cullman County Sheriff's Office was notified by Cullman Regional Medical Center of a reported bathtub drowning of a 1-year-old child, Hoss Wayne Benham. The initial medical review indicated that the child's body had several external injuries that were suspicious in nature,” Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey stated in a release on Friday.
 
According to the release, Deputy Jed Thomas was dispatched to the hospital, however Benham had passed away before his arrival. Rainey stated that upon conducting an initial assessment from the medical staff and viewing the child 's injuries Deputy Thomas notified dispatch of the situation and a team of investigators responded to the hospital and to 17750 US Hwy 31 N. at Monk's Trailer Park where the drowning was alleged to have occurred.
 
“Cullman Co. District Attorney, Wilson Blaylock, was notified of the situation. He then gave authorization for an autopsy to be conducted at the Huntsville Department of Forensic Science on Thursday, March 13,” the release stated. A preliminary report of the cause of death has not been released at this time.
 
According to the report, Lead investigators, Bethany Shaddrix and Capt. Jon Montgomery conducted initial interviews with the child's mother; Crystal Ballenger, age 23, and her boyfriend, Jeffery Hugh Brown, age 37. Based upon those interviews and other physical evidence uncovered by investigators during the course of this investigation, Jeffrey Brown has been charged with Aggravated Child Abuse, a Class B felony. His bond has been set at $30,000.00 cash.
 
“This case is still very active and ongoing at this time and we are not at liberty to discuss details or specifics that could jeopardize our investigation. I want to commend all the officers and investigators for their hard work and dedication in uncovering the facts surrounding this investigation,” Rainey stated. “The Cullman Co. Sheriff's Office is working closely with the District Attorney's Office and the Dept. of Human Resources. We anticipate making further progress in this investigation in the near future. Child Abuse cases are difficult to work and especially those of which result in the death of a child.  As Sheriff, I am saddened by the death of this little boy and I want the community to know that we are praying for this child and those who loved him.”
 
CullmanSense will provide more information as details emerge.

CULLMAN – Investigators with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department recently announced they had charged Sean Morgan Henley, 21, of Addison, with 10 counts of burglary, following a series of confessions he made at the Cullman County Detention Center.
 
Henley was brought to the CCDC on an unrelated charge on Friday, May 9. Investigator Joey Clark said a tip from a fellow deputy put Henley on his radar as to possibly having some answers to several unsolved burglaries.
 
“We started interviewing him Friday night of last week and he confessed to the burglary in Winston County,” Investigator Clark said.
 
The burglary in Winston County was a residence of a bondsman who had recently bonded Henley out of jail on a previous theft charge.
 
“Henley confessed to breaking into the residence and stealing 16 firearms,” he said.
 
Investigator Clark said Henley then made a second confession on Monday, May 12 where he admitted to stealing electronics, gaming consoles, and in one instance, a package of bacon and other household items.
 
“He (Henley) confessed to an additional 10 burglaries, the first of which started on February 18, inside of Cullman County,” he said.
 
A variety of items have been recovered including, multiple television sets, assorted tools, clothing, silverware and other household goods. Sheriff Mike Rainey said he’s glad 19 of the 21 guns have been recovered, which were stolen from several locations, but is looking to the public to help find the remaining missing firearms.
 
“It’s always dangerous when someone steals a firearm, but when so many are involved it adds a bit more urgency to finding them quickly,” Sheriff Rainey said. “There are two firearms still missing from the burglary in Winston County, and we’d like to see those recovered as soon as possible.”
 
Henley confessed to burglaries that took place in the Crane Hill and Jones Chapel communities. Among those were one incident on Co. Rd. 895, one incident on Co. Rd. 1043, two incidents on Co. Rd. 953, three incidents on Co. Rd. 950, and three incidents on Co. Rd. 939.
 
Sean Morgan Henley is currently being held at the Cullman County Detention Center without bond.

BETHEL - A cashier at the Bethel Exxon Reddystop came face to face with a robber armed with a hunting knife early Friday afternoon but was left unharmed as the suspect fled the scene.

“An armed robbery did take place early today at the Bethel Exxon. A male subject came into the store with a knife and held up the cashier at knifepoint before stealing in excess of $200,” said Cullman County Sheriff Chief Deputy Max Bartlett. “Once he had the money, the male subject fled on foot to a nearby wooded area.”

Bartlett said witnesses spotted the suspect changing clothes before entering into the wooded area.

“We had great cooperation with witnesses who spotted the suspect enter into the woods. They were able to describe the clothing he changed in to and were also able to give us a general location of where to begin our search,” he said.

Deputies caught up to the suspect, Eric Gletty, 39, as he was returning to his home.

“They were able to spot him as he neared his residence and were able to apprehend him on his property,” said Bartlett. “The deputies observed him throwing items into the doorway of the home. Those items recovered included money, a long knife, and a wooden toy pistol.”

Eric Gletty, 39, is currently being detained at the Cullman County Detention Center and has been charged with Robbery - 1st degree. His bond is set at $60,000.

“We are all thankful no one was injured in this robbery,” said Bartlett.

“Gletty suffered minor abrasions from where he was going through thick brush, but no one else suffered any injuries. I am thankful for the witnesses who came forwarded and for the deputies who responded quickly to capture the suspect.”

RANDOLPH COUNTY – Saturday, May 23rd, 2015, at approximately 12:53 p.m. Inmate Joshua James Lay, 37 years old, of Vinemont, AL, was captured within 17 hours by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Randolph County, AL. 

Also taken into custody was his alleged girlfriend Nona Faye Baker, 33 year old, white female, of Clay County who assisted Inmate Lay by picking him up and leaving the detention center.

“I would like to thank all the personnel of the sheriff’s office and other law enforcement agencies who worked nonstop last night and earlier today to assist in this capture,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Inmate Lay was hiding in a heavily wooded area of Randolph County. As CCSO and the Department of Corrections K9 Tracking Dogs began to close in on his location, Lay turned himself over to Sheriff Gentry along with deputies from CCSO and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. 

Inmate Lay will be facing a charge of Felony Escape 1st. He was currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center for Probation Violation and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd.

Ms. Baker will also be facing a felony charge of Permitting or Facilitating Escape 1st.

Sheriff Gentry would also like to thank Sheriff David Cofield of Randolph County for his assistance last night and earlier today. 

CULLMAN– Thursday September 25th, 2015, Cullman County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Jeffrey Wayne Miller, 26 years old of Vinemont, for Theft of Property 1st, Two counts of Burglary 3rd, Receiving Stolen Property 1st, Receiving Stolen Property 2nd and Attempting to Elude.

Miller was first sited after a BOLO had been placed on a recent vehicle that had been stolen from a business in Cullman County. After Miller eluded deputies and wrecked the vehicle he was located the next day and placed under arrest.

All items Miller had stolen have been recovered by CCSO investigators which include the stolen pickup truck, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, New England .410 Shotgun, .243 Rifle, and other miscellaneous items. 

“No one dislikes a thief more than me,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I am proud of the job the deputies and investigators have done in locating and arresting the suspect in such a quick manner and recovering all the property he has stolen so that we can get it back to the owners,” added Sheriff Matt Gentry.  

Miller is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center. Bond is set at $40,000 cash and $13,000 property bond. The total bond is $53,000.

CULLMAN— On Thursday, October 15, 2015, Agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), arrested Adam Seth Armstrong, 33 years old of Vinemont, Ala.

After a short investigation, CNET executed a search warrant on Armstrong’s residence where they discovered 26 methadone pills, 53 1/2 Vimpat pills, 1 Oxycontin pill plus a couple grams of marijuana. CNET Agents also seized drug paraphernalia, 1 SKS Rifle and 1 357 Rossi handgun.  

“It’s good to get a drug trafficker off the streets and in jail. Any time this many pills are recovered it makes our community safer,” said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I would also like to commend CNET for their work on this case,” he added.

Armstrong is currently being charged with Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

Armstrong is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond.

CULLMAN– On Sunday October 24, 2015, Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies arrested Gregory Scott Walker, 40 years old of Hanceville for two counts of Attempted Murder.

Deputies responded to a domestic violence call at Walker’s residence on County Road 645 in the Walter Community Saturday around noon. Deputies noticed Walker walking towards them and then without warning he brandished a rifle and fired two shots. Deputies took cover behind their patrol vehicle and called for backup as the suspect retreated into his home. Deputies discovered the suspect’s shots hit the patrol vehicle’s windshield.

Over the next several hours an extensive standoff would ensue with several law enforcement agencies assisting CCSO including the Cullman Police Department, Hanceville Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Walker was taken into custody after he again fired three more shots at law enforcement officers from the window of his home and law enforcement returned one shot where he was wounded and later surrendered to law enforcement personnel.  

“This incident shows why domestic incidents can be dangerous, our deputies don’t know what kind of situation they are walking into” said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I want to commend the job that the deputies did to protect the family members and the job the other agencies did in assisting us with everything today,” added Gentry.  

Walker is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center. Bond is set at $100,000 cash.

No mug shot is available due to Walker's agitated state.

VINEMONT— Thursday, October 29, 2015, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), with the assistance of the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), arrested Stanley Leon Martin, 43 years old of Vinemont for Manufacturing 1st, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 
    
The arrest originated in Vinemont after a welfare check was requested on the safety of some minor children. Once establishing probable cause to search the home deputies discovered a homemade meth lab with all the classic ingredients to produce meth as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  

“This was a classic shake-and-bake meth lab. What is most disturbing is this individual had the meth lab around kids which is horrible on many levels”, said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I am very glad the deputies were able to arrest this guy and more importantly get the children away from that environment,” he added.

Martin is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center. His bond is set at $1,000,000.00.

VINEMONT— On Monday, November 2, 2015, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), with the assistance of the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), arrested Christopher Dewayne Kimbril, 43-year-old registered sex offender of Vinemont for Manufacturing 1st and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  
    
The arrest originated in Vinemont, Ala. on County Road 1382 after deputies received a call from a citizen who had a woman walk up to her house, knock on the door, and claim to have been held hostage by a man down the road. A deputy arrived on the scene to check the welfare of the woman. The deputy quickly established the woman was clearly on drugs and delirious from the drugs in her system.  

A short time later, deputies and CNET went to Kimbril’s home, and after establishing probable cause to search, deputies discovered a homemade meth lab in his car. The meth lab was removed from the home by Kimbril after the female had left the residence.  

“I commend the deputies for this arrest and getting another meth lab and drug dealer off the streets and behind bars”, said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I hope the drug manufacturers and dealers have gotten the message we will not tolerate drugs in our community,” he added.

Kimbril is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center. His bond is set at $1,000,000.00.

A graveside service for Walter Wano DeMonia, age 55, will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Cullman City Cemetery.  

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

CULLMAN— Members of the Cullman City Police Department have been scratching their heads over a rash of recent activity in town. More than a dozen break-ins have occurred in residences across the city, but strangely, nothing appears to have been taken from any of the homes.

“It’s really odd,” said Assistant Chief of PoliceCraig Green. “Since around November 1, there have been 13 homes that have been entered by someone other than the homeowners. The way they are getting in is by either kicking or shouldering the door. But the really odd part is that of all 13 of those homes that have been entered, nothing has been stolen.
 
“So they are breaking into these homes and not taking anything,” he continued. “This is the time of year where people break in and steal Christmas presents from under a tree, but that’s not the case here. One of the homes had cash, an iPad and a laptop sitting on the kitchen counter and none of it was taken. It’s just really strange.” 

Green said that break-ins usually occur at night, but these events are happening during daytime hours. He said most are occurring between 8:30 in the morning and 4:30 in the afternoon while people are at work or school. 
 
“We want these people caught,” Green stated. “They are entering homes, but not actually stealing anything. Last week we met with the district attorney, and today we sat down with our command staff and sheriffs and brainstormed, trying to figure out why they are doing it by trying to think outside the box. We are working together to stop it.”

The police will be revisiting each of the victims and will be asking them to go back and check their clothing and food to see if any is missing. They need to determine the motive behind the breaking and entering to help solve these crimes. 

“We need everyone’s help,” Green explained. “I ask that people own their neighborhoods, which means to be very vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Drive your neighborhoods; nobody knows your neighborhood better than you do. While driving through, pay attention to your neighbors’ homes; are there any unusual cars there? Are any doors left open?”

While the break-ins have many on edge, it is important not to panic. Citizens are urged to be aware of their surroundings and look for anything unusual. Residents that suspect something odd is happening in their neighborhood or have any information regarding the recent break-ins, should contact the Cullman City Police Department at 256-734-1434.

HANCEVILLE– On Monday, Dec. 21, agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) arrested Jamie James Quinn, 36, of Hanceville, James Allan Ford, 24, of Falkville and Steven Ray Moore, 30, of Cullman following a search of a home in the Stouts Mountain community of Hanceville.  

After receiving complaints of drug activity from community members, Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies and CNET executed a search warrant on the residence where the suspects had been residing. Confiscated during the search warrant was ICE, a purer form of meth, as well as over a gram of marijuana.

Shortly thereafter, the homeowner and another suspect, Brenda Joyce Waldrep, 60, of Hanceville and Barry James Hollis, 35, of Hanceville, were located by deputies and arrested as well.

“I would also like to commend the community members who took a proactive approach to call in these tips and to help keep their community free from these drugs,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry.  “The community is one of our biggest assets in fighting drugs and the drug dealers,” he added.

• Jamie James Quinn is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana second-degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on $8,000 bond.

• James Allan Ford is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana second-degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on $8,000 bond.

• Steven Ray Moore is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana second-degree and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on $8,000 bond.

• Barry James Hollis is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Cullman County Detention Center on $6,000 bond.

• Joyce Waldrep is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. She made bond.

We all know that Internet safety is an issue for young people. Sexting is an issue and it all starts with that. They get them on the hook and then into exploitation.”

Judge Kim Chaney

CULLMAN– This month is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force is planning several community events. The Task Force is a volunteer group of individuals who work diligently to see that the community is both aware of and educated about this horrific crime.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. It is a crime that happens when a person uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person. The person being controlled is forced into commercial sex acts and/or soliciting work or services against his or her will. The average age of entry into the U.S. sex trade is 12 - 14. It is happening all over the world and right here in the United States. Sadly, it is going on right here in Cullman County.

The Task Force met on Wednesday, Jan. 6 to discuss this month’s events, namely the upcoming training session for the public.

“There will be a public training on Human Trafficking Awareness and Investigation on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Daystar Church,” said Kathy Wilson, Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force chair. “This is where any concerned citizens, the public – anybody can attend. We want everyone to spread the word about this public training, it is very important.”

Presenting at the event will be Scott Santoro, who provides training for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He is the senior training advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign. A former attorney, he currently trains state and federal law enforcement on human trafficking.

The event is being sponsored by the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, District Attorney Wilson Blaylock, Judge Kim Chaney and Cullman Savings Bank.

Because a lot of the victims of human trafficking are teenagers, the Task Force plans to offer the public a class on Internet safety in the very near future.

“That’s how young teenagers get into all this,” said Attorney Andrea Richter. “They may put something online and the traffickers start talking to them. That’s how it happens, how they get them.”  

“We all know that Internet safety is an issue for young people,” said Judge Kim Chaney. “Sexting is an issue and it all starts with that. They get them on the hook and then into exploitation.”

Javon Daniel, executive director of Cullman Caring for Kids, spoke to the group about an upcoming addition to his local show, “Kids Matter.”

“’Kids Matter’ is a public service radio program that Nancy (Bryant) and I host every Friday and Sunday afternoon on two different local stations,” he explained. “One show streams on the Internet so it is worldwide. We talk about children and family issues.

“Kathy Wilson is going to be on our show Friday talking about human trafficking,” he continued. “We already decided to add a section to our show each week where we talk about sex trafficking.”

Daniel also announced there will be a public prayer vigil on Wednesday, Jan. 20  at Baldwin Heights Baptist Church. The vigil will last from 6 - 7 p.m. He said that he plans to have all the churches in the county pray in unison for the end to human trafficking during their Wednesday night services as well.

The Task Force says it needs all the help it can get to prevent both children and adults in our area from becoming victims. Everyone is encouraged to get involved. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 2, at noon in Judge Kim Chaney's courtroom on the second floor of the Cullman County Courthouse.

For more information, email endtrafficking25@gmail.com or visit http://qrne.ws/taskforce.

The average age of a (human trafficking victim) is 13-years-old; so you have young people who make connections online who are lured away with promises. Those promises soon turn to exploitation.”

Judge Kim Chaney, Human Trafficking Task Force member

 

CULLMAN– On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Cullman County Commission proclaimed January 2016 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Cullman. The proclamation was made during the regularly scheduled Cullman County Commission meeting at the courthouse and is in addition to Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson declaring Monday, Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day and the month of January being recognized nationwide as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

“I am truly grateful that both the city and the county have both recognized this as Human Trafficking Month,” said Task Force Chair Kathy Wilson. “Hopefully this will help bring awareness to the community and keep us with the quality of life that we have. That’s our goal – awareness.”

Associate County Commissioner Kerry Watson, Judge Kim Chaney (Task Force member), Wilson and Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker stood by and listened as County Clerk Charlotte Slatton read the proclamation.

“I wish I could say this didn’t happen in Cullman County, but it’s an issue that we have here,” said Chaney. “We’ve got some training that we are sponsoring; we have some practitioners training for law enforcement, teachers, nurses and juvenile probation officers. We have over 200 people, as of this morning, who have already signed up for that training. It is going to be at Daystar Church Jan. 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.”

Wilson stated that there is also a public training on Jan. 26.  The training is free to the public and will be from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Daystar Church. The church is located at 200 Daystar Drive in Cullman.

“Jan. 26 is going to be for individuals and families that want to learn how to keep their children safe,” Chaney continued. “The average age of a (human trafficking victim) is 13-years-old; so you have young people who make connections online who are lured away with promises. Those promises soon turn to exploitation.

“We certainly appreciate the opportunity to tell you about our trainings and certainly appreciate the forum the Commission has given to our proclamation as we call awareness to this situation,” he concluded.

The Commission thanked Chaney and Wilson for all the work they have done to bring awareness about human trafficking to the community.

The following is a copy of the proclamation that was presented:

Cullman County Commission

Cullman, Alabama

Proclamation

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Whereas, human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and is a crime against humanity that violates the most basic human rights; and

Whereas, human trafficking occurs when an adult or child is recruited, harbored, obtained or exported through force, fraud or coercion for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt bondage and other methods of slavery; and

Whereas, nationally, the criminal enterprise of human trafficking is second only to the illegal drug trade, in terms of the speed of its growth and being among the most lucrative; traffickers typically use multiple means to conduct their victims including: beatings, rape, isolation, drug or alcohol dependency, document withholding, and psychological and emotional abuse; and

Whereas, human trafficking is an industry that generates about 32 billion dollars in the U.S. each year, from girls and boys in the commercial sex trade who are as young as 11 years old; and

Whereas, since 2010 when laws were enacted making trafficking a crime in the State of Alabama it has become a rapidly growing problem in our backyards with the main targets being women and children with over 100 reports filed annually in our State; and

Whereas, our local community unites to combat this modern day slavery and brings together non-profits, government, and private sector businesses in prevention, prosecution, education and awareness efforts to restore freedom and dignity to survivors.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CULLMAN COUNTY COMMISSION does hereby proclaim the month of January 2016 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month”

DONE AND PROCLAIMED this 12th day of January 2016.

Signed: Kenneth Walker, Chairman

Signed: Kerry Watson, Associate Commissioner

Signed: Charlotte Slatton, County Clerk