The Hanceville Police Department in Alabama has been placed on full administrative leave following the indictment and arrest of five officers, including Police Chief Jason Shane Marlin, and one of their spouses, in connection to the death of a 911 dispatcher.
The decision came after a grand jury indictment issued last Thursday in Cullman County, charging the officers with multiple crimes related to the August 2024 death of 49-year-old Christopher Willingham. An autopsy confirmed that Willingham died from a drug overdose, specifically from the combined effects of fentanyl, gabapentin, diazepam, amphetamine, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol.
The grand jury’s findings indicated that Willingham’s death resulted from “negligence and disregard for life” by the Hanceville Police Department. Investigators revealed that the department’s evidence room was unsecured, with a large hole in the wall, allowing unauthorized access by individuals.
The following officers have been charged:
Cody Alan Kelso, 33, with two counts of computer tampering, two counts of using office for personal gain, tampering with evidence, and two counts of solicitation to commit a controlled substance crime.
Jason Scott Wilbanks, 37, with similar charges as Kelso.
Jason Shane Marlin, 51, the police chief, with two counts of failure to report an ethics crime and tampering with evidence.
William Andrew Shellnutt, 39, with tampering with evidence.
Eric Michael Kelso, 44, with four counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances and two counts of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance.
Donna Reid Kelso, 63, the spouse of Eric Kelso, with two counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances and two counts of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance.
The grand jury also recommended the immediate disbandment of the Hanceville Police Department, describing it as “more of a criminal organization than a law enforcement agency.”
In response to the allegations and arrests, Hanceville Mayor Jim Sawyer announced that all employees of the police department were placed on administrative leave at 5 p.m. on the day of the announcement. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will temporarily handle all law enforcement duties within Hanceville’s jurisdiction, including 911 and emergency calls.
Mayor Sawyer’s statement noted that the Hanceville City Council will meet on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss the future of the Hanceville Police Department and explore other actions regarding the situation.
All six suspects have been released on bond, and the investigation is ongoing.
