Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced indictments against officers in Prichard on Wednesday, describing it as "a cultural rot that was going on at the Prichard Police Department."
A grand jury indicted Prichard Police chief Walter Knight and Maj. Aaron Tucker for use of official position or office for personal gain. The pair are accused of using public equipment for side jobs escorting funeral processions.
Blackwood offered an update on the arrest of officer Emanuel Naman Dotch II. Dotch was federally indicted for multiple offenses. Due to evidence in that case, Blackwood said prosecution against two individuals for drug offenses has been dismissed.
Other officers have been charged with crimes in connection to their positions as police officers.
Ryan Phillips is charged with receiving stolen firearms and a federal crime.
Jihad Irby is charged with bribery and extortion,
Malachi Ligon is charged with third-degree theft of property and distribution of private images.
Blackwood said multiple prosecutions have been dismissed due to officer charges and improperly stored items in the Prichard Police Department’s evidence room.
The grand jury recommended removing Knight as police chief and abolishing and rebuilding the police department. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office has taken over law enforcement operations in Prichard. Blackwood said the grand jury recommendations have been passed on to elected city leaders in Prichard.
"The special grand jury has spoken clearly, and its findings were extensive," Blackwood said. "Its recommendations are extraordinary, and I sincerely hope that they are given the careful consideration that they deserve."
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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