Sheriff Nick Smith proudly announced that all deputies in the WCSO now possess their Sensory Inclusive Certification through a partnership with Kulture City. This initiative enhances our ability to serve and support individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum or living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
 
Kulture City, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting sensory awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities. Their specialized training equips deputies with the knowledge and tools needed for recognizing sensory overload, de-escalating situations, and interacting with special needs individuals.
 
“This certification is a big step forward in making sure that every member of our county is understood, respected, and supported,” Sheriff Smith stated. “By partnering with Kulture City, we’re ensuring our deputies have the skills to provide appropriate responses to those who may face unique challenges.”
 
The training program emphasizes strategies, such as the use of sensory kits, clear communication techniques, and understanding the behaviors associated special needs individuals. These measures aim to foster trust and improve the overall safety and well-being of individuals with autism, PTSD, or other disabilities during encounters with law enforcement.

On November 24, 2024, Walker County Sheriff’s Office received two reports of arson that had taken place in the McCollum neighborhood close to Jasper. Deputies were dispatched and conducted the initial investigation and were able to identify the suspect as Frankie Lee Ellis Jr.

Following the identification of Mr. Ellis as the suspect, Deputies contacted the State Fire Marshal and evidence in the case was provided to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for further investigation related to the arson.

State Fire Marshal’s obtained an arrest warrant for Frankie Lee Ellis Jr. for Arson 2nd. Mr. Ellis was taken into custody on November 25, 2024 at 2:39 PM.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division began working the case as it relates to the property crimes committed by the suspect during the commission of the arson.

On December 3, 2024, Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Frankie Lee Ellis Jr. for Burglary 3rd, Theft of Property 4th, and Criminal Mischief 3rd.

Frankie Lee Ellis Jr. is currently being held at the Walker County Jail on a 55K property bond.

Any indication of an arrest does not imply guilt. All suspects presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.

Being committed to the community is what I built my bid for sheriff around. I have a passion for the people that I share this county with, and I want to make our county a better place to live, and to raise my family. I love when I meet other people who share that vision, and I got the chance to do that recently.
 
I visited the Lupton Junior High School, and got to hear and spend time with the 7th graders as the presented community service projects. I was floored by the thoughtfulness and passion they shared with each presentation. They had vision for service projects that benefited others, and helped to make others’ lives that much better. Our students are some of the brightest and most caring individuals, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future. We can all take a page out of their books, and take a moment to help others in need.
 
Today, do something for someone else. Don’t expect anything in return, and see what good things come from it. Sometimes the best blessing is to be a blessing to someone else. Take a moment today and do something, however small it may be, and be kind to someone else!

Project Appleseed returned to the WCSO range this past week, marking its fourth event at the current venue.
 
Project Appleseed is a national non-profit program that teaches the fundamentals of rifle and pistol marksmanship combined with the storytelling of American Revolutionary War history. Their events are family friendly and designed for all ages and experience levels.
 
This program spreads the message of freedom and liberty through developing marksmanship skills of its participants. Sheriff Smith is proud to provide the venue for this fantastic program, and we encourage everyone to take part, as Project Appleseed is a great way to meet like-minded patriots, and have a fun and safe time enjoying the 2nd amendment.

Investigators have been busy these past few weeks, developing leads, and following up on open cases. One open case is closed today, following the arrest of Zachary Trey Cordell, age 31 of Oakman, for theft of property in the first degree, and unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle.
 
A vehicle was burglarized, and among the items stolen were a firearm, and over $3,000 in cash from a vehicle in the Oakman area. After following up on leads, tips, and other information, a suspect was developed. The firearm was eventually recovered, and the suspect was taken into custody.
 
Investigator Reeves’ work on this case highlights the ongoing commitment to ensuring that our citizens can live in a better Walker County. We thank Investigator Reeves for his hard work, and look forward to what the restructured investigations division will accomplish.

Any indication of an arrest does not imply guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff’s Office Investigators have arrested Steven Ray Blair, age 45 of Jasper, for receiving stolen property.
 
Investigators followed up on a report of stolen items from the north side of Walker County. Investigator Parkhurst developed and followed leads as to the whereabouts of the stolen property. The theft suspects were identified, and the property was recovered at a residence on Bird Farm Road in Jasper. After recovering the property, the suspect was located at a later date, and charged with receiving stolen property in the 4th degree.
 
We thank Investigator Parkhurst for diligently following leads, and recovering stolen goods. This is a fine example of good police work, and we’re proud to have Investigator Parkhurst as part of our team. If you have any information on the location of stolen property, submit your anonymous tips via the WCSO app.

Any indication of an arrest does not imply guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law.

When Sheriff Smith ran for office, his platform included staunch support of the 2nd amendment. So much so, that he pledged regular and free use of the WCSO firing range to any person that wants to come. That is exactly what has happened.
 
For the last few years, our range has been open to the public on the last Saturday of every month, and on special days, like this past Saturday. We host an open range day, just for hunters, where they can come to sight in their rifles for the upcoming deer season. Our certified firearms instructors were on-site to assist, and make sure everyone stays safe.
 
Your next chance to stop by will be November 30th! We’ll see you then.

Sheriff Smith has made financial transparency a priority over the years, and we’re glad to report that we are expanding the monthly reporting.
 
In October, the WCSO spent:
$396,781.40 for Sheriff’s Office Operations
$397,296.50 for Jail Operations, and Inmate Medical
 
Now, anyone can see every line item within the WCSO budget, and see year-to-date spending for each category. By visiting the WCSO spending tab, you can see exactly where and how the WCSO is spending your tax dollars.
 
To fully understand these numbers you need to know a few things about the WCSO and Walker County. Firstly, the fiscal year starts in October. That means this is the first month of the fiscal year that we are providing figures for, and the budget items are for the entire year, so these funds will be depleted over the fiscal cycle. Secondly, the jail operates with a two separate funds, which the general fund monies are more easily accessible for daily needs and operation. The second fund is called the 107 fund. This fund was created for jail funding and construction, and these funds can only be earmarked for certain maintenance, inmate, and facility needs.
 
Lastly, these numbers are for the public to regularly inspect, and be a useful tool for knowing how your elected officials are spending the money entrusted to them. To our knowledge, we are one of, if not the only, sheriff’s office, in Alabama, that provides readily available access to this type of information. That is a dedication to transparency like no other.

This past weekend, members of the WCSO patrol and reserve divisions escorted the Children’s Hospital Poker Run through Jasper. As this event serves a great cause, we came out in force to support giving Christmas Cheer to a child in need!
 
We had 5 members of the reserve division to assist, and we appreciate their help! The reserve division is an unpaid, volunteer unit that helps on patrol, in the jail, at our schools, and anywhere else we can plug them in! If this is something that interests you, be sure to stop by the office and fill out an application. Narcotics Reserve Justin Kelley is over the Reserve Unit, if you see him out and about, he would love to talk to you about our Reserve Program!
 
Thank you to all of our reserves that assisted, but most of all, thank you for your support, Walker County!

Overnight, the investigations team were conducting concentrated patrols in the Empire area, when they observed a vehicle on Empire Road.
 
Investigators attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield, and led investigators on a pursuit through the Empire, Corner, and Arkadelphia areas. The driver attempted to evade on foot, however our investigators were able to take the driver into custody without further incident.
 
Warrants will be obtained for the driver, and more information will be released as it becomes available.