Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith Indicted on Multiple Misdemeanors
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office has been under increased scrutiny in recent years following a series of high-profile incidents.
This morning, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith was indicted on six misdemeanor charges related to the employment of deputies who were not certified through the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC). Chief Deputy Ralph Williams was also indicted on one misdemeanor charge involving a separate uncertified hire.
The indictments allege that Smith knowingly hired multiple individuals, including school resource officers, a jailer, and a deputy, who lacked the required certification to serve in law enforcement positions. Both Smith and Williams turned themselves in to the authorities and were released on bond.
Under Alabama law, all law enforcement officers must be certified through the Alabama POST Commission (APOSTC) before serving in an official capacity. Violations of this requirement are classified as Class C misdemeanors. A new law takes effect on October 1st, making this violation a felony for the person knowingly hiring someone who isn't certified, as well as for the person holding the position.
Background: Jail Incidents and Federal Cases
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office has been under increased scrutiny in recent years following a series of high-profile incidents.
Earlier in 2025, two Walker County deputies were federally indicted in connection to the January 2023 death of inmate Tony Mitchell. The inmate died after being held in the Walker County Jail under conditions that federal authorities described as inhumane. Several jail staff members later pleaded guilty to federal civil rights violations, acknowledging that Mitchell was subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and unsanitary conditions.
In the wake of the indictments, Sheriff Smith deactivated the department’s social media platforms, citing the volume of negative feedback and the desire to maintain focus on department operations.
Oversight and Structure
The Walker County Sheriff's Office is a constitutional office, meaning the sheriff is independently elected and not directly subject to the authority of the county commission. The commission maintains budgetary control but does not have legal authority over hiring or internal law enforcement operations.
The charges announced today follow a pattern of investigations into hiring practices and internal oversight within the department. The legal process will determine the outcomes of both the state and federal charges currently pending.
