Huntsville, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a retired Huntsville police officer, has been indicted on charges of misappropriating funds totaling up to $25,525 during his time as coordinator for the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers. Allegations surfaced following discrepancies in the account after his retirement. Nickelson faces a potential prison sentence of 2 to 20 years if convicted. The case is currently being handled by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division while the organization expresses its commitment to transparency in the investigation.
Huntsville Former Police Officer Indicted for Misappropriation of Funds
Huntsville – Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old former coordinator for the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers and a retired police officer, has been indicted on charges of misappropriating funds. The indictment was announced by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, bringing to light serious allegations regarding Nickelson’s actions during his tenure.
Nickelson is charged with one count of using his official position for personal gain, a Class B felony. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years. The indictment alleges that he intentionally misappropriated up to $25,525 that belonged to the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers during his time as coordinator.
The charges emerged after discrepancies were discovered in the accounting of the Crime Stoppers account following Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024. The Huntsville Police Department took immediate action by reporting these discrepancies to the non-profit’s Board of Directors and subsequently referred the findings to the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation.
Following the indictment, Nickelson was booked into the Madison County Jail with a bond set at $10,000, from which he was released just 28 minutes later. The prosecution of the case will be handled by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division, ensuring oversight and impartiality in the legal proceedings.
As the investigation continues, the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers organization has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability. Officials from the organization have stated that they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and are proactively addressing any potential irregularities. They have assured the public that their accounting department had no involvement in Nickelson’s indictment and clarified that his retirement was unrelated to the charges against him.
The Crime Stoppers board member, Kerry Straub, confirmed this stance, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to supporting the inquiry led by the Attorney General’s Office. The current situation highlights the need for rigorous oversight in non-profit organizations and law enforcement practices to maintain public trust and uphold ethical standards.
As of now, the investigation remains active, and no additional details about the case have been released. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility held by individuals in positions of authority and the consequences of failing to adhere to ethical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Key Features of the Indictment Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Indicted | Charles Nathan Nickelson |
| Age | 60 |
| Charges | Misappropriation of funds, using official position for personal gain |
| Potential Penalty | 2 to 20 years in prison |
| Amount Misappropriated | Up to $25,525 |
| Investigation Trigger | Discrepancies in accounting after Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024 |
| Next Steps | Ongoing investigation by Attorney General’s Office |
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40 News
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- AL.com
- Google Search: Huntsville Crime Stoppers
- Rocket City Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Stoppers
- WAFF 48 News
- Google News: Huntsville Crime Stoppers indictment
- 1819 News
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.
