The Walker County Commission held a special meeting on Monday to release a statement related to indictments of jail employees in connection with the death of Anthony "Tony" Mitchell in 2023.
Mitchell died from hypothermia and sepsis, which resulted from injuries during incarceration, according to Coroner Joey Vick.
Since the death, nine former deputies and a jail nurse have pleaded guilty to charges including deprivation of rights.
Carl Lofton Carpenter and James Matthew Handley were indicted for deprivation of rights and witness tampering in January.
The commission meeting on Monday was packed with sheriff's department supporters. People held signs with sentiments such as "We Back the Blue," "Stop the Witch Hunt," and "Trump Send the FBI Home."
Commission chairman Steve Miller opened the meeting by reading a statement distancing the commission from responsibility for what happens at the jail.
"On multiple occasions, the Walker County Commission has been asked why the commission is not active on matters involving the Sheriff's Department," Miller said. "The Walker County Commission Authority is limited. More specifically, the commission is responsible for maintaining county buildings, roads and approving the county's budget."
"However, beyond budgetary issues, the commission has no authority to govern a constitutionally elected official," the statement continued. "As such, Sheriff [Nick] Smith is entitled to operate his department as he sees fit. The above notwithstanding, the commission remains committed to the interest of justice and will continue to cooperate fully with federal authorities throughout the remainder of their investigations."
After reading the statement, the commission adjourned without hearing from the public.
Smith has deleted the sheriff's department's Facebook page and his personal page.
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