Recently, during a Nauvoo Neighborhood Watch meeting, a victim of vandalism approached me about the status of the vandalism and some details about their case. I contacted investigators with the information and went to see the damage for myself.

During the Thanksgiving holidays, the Nauvoo community was plagued by a rise in vandalism. The Walker County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home that had been vandalized, initiating a thorough investigation.

After a comprehensive process involving over 20 field interviews and extensive phone examinations, the case has been successfully resolved. It was determined that three juvenile individuals were responsible for the incidents and will be held accountable in juvenile court. This breakthrough in the case was achieved through countless hours of hard work by the investigations division.

The Sheriff’s Office and Task Force have arrested Dustin Weldon on Dilworth Bend Road in Empire on charges of Kidnapping 2nd Degree, False Reporting to Law Enforcement, and Tampering with a Witness.


Paul Brown was apprehended at Holcomb's, located at the intersection of Gardners Gin and Old Birmingham Highway, for multiple probation revocation warrants. Additionally, a stolen vehicle was recovered during the operation, which is being investigated by the Sumiton Police Department. Brown is expected to face further charges pending the investigation.


The Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from a sheriff's office member assigned to the task force.

In a proactive effort to maintain community safety, Sheriff Smith announced the arrest of Colton Thorpe for drug-related offenses during a routine patrol in Kansas, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by substance abuse.

Sheriff Smith observed suspicious behavior that led to the traffic stop involving Thorpe. Upon investigation, authorities discovered possession of a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia.

Further checks revealed that Thorpe was also on probation in Alabama, raising concerns about his compliance with legal obligations. Sheriff Smith emphasized the importance of vigilance in the community and the commitment of the sheriff’s department to combat drug-related crimes.

“This arrest is a reminder that we are actively working to keep our community safe,” Sheriff Smith stated. “We will continue to patrol our neighborhoods and take necessary actions to address drug-related issues.”

Thorpe was taken into custody and is facing charges for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held at the county jail.

The sheriff's department encourages community members to report any suspicious activities through the sheriff's app. Together, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all residents.

On January 2nd, 2025, your patrol division started the year off with two narcotics related arrests.
 
Deputy Andrew Ingle stopped a vehicle near the Jasper Food Mart on Highway 78 for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop, deputies became suspicious of the driver, and called out a canine officer. After the canine unit positively alerted to the vehicle, a quantity of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia was found. The driver was taken into custody and transported to the county jail. We thank the Dora Police Department for their K9 team assisting us.
 
That same evening, Deputy Ingle made a second traffic stop on a vehicle in the West Jasper area. The driver, initially, failed to yield to law enforcement, but pulled into a driveway approximately four blocks from the initial stop. Deputies on scene removed the driver from the vehicle, and a large quantity of marijuana was seen under the passenger’s feet. The driver was arrested without further incident, and was taken to jail.

We're committed to keeping our county safe, and we thank the hard work of our deputies. Deputy Ingle is a great example of being a proactive deputy, and we're glad to have him at the WCSO.