A grand jury indicted Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail on 15 of using his position for personal gain.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said he is limited on details he can release due to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
“However, as a matter of public policy and good government — elected officials are entrusted to perform their duties honestly and above reproach,” Crocker stated. “When that bond of trust is broken, our society suffers limitless harm.”
Nail told The Cullman Times he was unaware of an investigation after rumors surfaced online in April.
“They must know more than I know,” he told the newspaper. “I don’t know anything. I’ve not heard anything. But, based on speaking with my attorney, at this time I’m not going to be able to give any other statement about it.”
The city of Hanceville is the second-largest city in Cullman County, with a population of just under 3,000.
Nail was first elected mayor in 2008 and is currently serving his fourth term.
Crocker asked anyone with information regarding possible corruption to contact the Alabama Ethics Commission or the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
“My office — working with our state partners — is committed to ensuring that the violators of the public trust be held accountable under the law,” he said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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