Former Huntsville Police Officer Indicted for Embezzlement

Huntsville, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old ex-Huntsville police officer and coordinator of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, has been indicted for allegedly misappropriating over $25,000 from the program. Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the indictment, which includes a Class B felony charge for personal gain. Nickelson was booked into jail and released on bond. The investigation into Nickelson’s actions began after discrepancies were found in the Crime Stoppers accounting following his retirement, raising concerns about financial management in non-profits.

Huntsville – Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old former Huntsville police officer and coordinator for the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, has been indicted for misappropriating over $25,000 from the program he once led. The indictment, announced by Attorney General Steve Marshall, includes one count of using his position for personal gain, classified as a Class B felony. This offense carries a potential prison sentence of two to 20 years.

Nickelson was booked into the Madison County Jail on September 19, 2025, at 10:04 p.m. and was released 28 minutes later on a $10,000 bond. The case is currently being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division. The indictment was presented as a “TRUE BILL” by the Grand Jury of Madison County on September 17 and was officially filed on September 19.

Allegations against Nickelson suggest he misappropriated funds intended to compensate credible tipsters who provided information leading to arrests. The discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers accounting came to light following Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024, prompting the Huntsville Police Department to report these findings to the board of directors of the non-profit organization. Subsequently, the matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Office for an independent investigation.

The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office as the investigation continues. Kerry Straub, a member of the Crime Stoppers board, clarified that the accounting department did not contribute to Nickelson’s indictment and emphasized that his retirement was unrelated to the current charges against him. Nickelson had been a leading figure in the Crime Stoppers program for around two decades and was recognized at the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration shortly before his retirement.

The Huntsville Police Department has stated that they are unable to provide further details as the investigation remains active. As the case unfolds, it has raised questions regarding oversight and financial management within non-profit entities like the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers.

Background Context

The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is a well-known non-profit organization that has operated for several decades, aimed at empowering the community to report crimes anonymously. It provides monetary rewards to individuals who submit credible tips that lead to arrests and criminal charges. The organization has been instrumental in assisting law enforcement agencies in keeping the community safe.

The potential theft of funds by a former leader underscores the importance of financial transparency and accountability in such organizations. The ongoing investigation not only aims to hold Nickelson accountable but also seeks to reinforce public trust in community safety initiatives like Crime Stoppers.

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Additional Resources

• WAFF: Retired Huntsville Cop Indicted
• WHNT: Former Head of Huntsville Crime Stoppers Arrested
• AL.com: Former Huntsville Cop Accused of Taking $25,000
• ABC 3340: Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted
• Wikipedia: Crime Stoppers

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.