Huntsville, AL, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a retired police officer from Huntsville, has been indicted for misappropriating over $25,000 intended for crime-fighting efforts. This serious allegation comes to light following a thorough investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Nickelson faces a Class B felony charge, which could result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years. The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers has confirmed their cooperation in the ongoing investigation, seeking to maintain transparency and accountability during this troubling situation for local law enforcement.
Huntsville
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old retired Huntsville police officer and former head of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, has been indicted on charges of misusing funds intended for crime-fighting efforts. This significant legal development was announced by Attorney General Steve Marshall after a thorough investigation conducted by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
Nickelson faces one count of using his office for personal gain, classified as a Class B felony. This indictment highlights serious allegations of financial misconduct, with the potential penalty ranging from two to 20 years in prison. It is alleged that Nickelson improperly took “all or a portion” of $25,525 that should have been used to compensate credible tipsters contributing to the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers program.
The discrepancies concerning the Crime Stoppers account were uncovered following Nickelson’s retirement from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) in August 2024. The HPD became aware of irregularities in the account, which is managed by a non-profit organization, and subsequently reported these findings to the organization’s Board of Directors. Upon discovering the irregularities, the Board referred the matter to the Attorney General’s Office for an independent investigation.
Nickelson was booked into the Madison County jail at 10:04 p.m. on Thursday and released shortly afterward on a $10,000 bond. The investigation into the allegations remains ongoing, and further details have yet to be disclosed by the Huntsville Police Department.
The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers organization has released a statement confirming their cooperation with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office during this investigation. The organization expresses its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability while assisting in the inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the situation. Kerry Straub, a member of the Crime Stoppers board, clarified that the accounting department of Crime Stoppers had no involvement in Nickelson’s indictment and also stated that there was no correlation between his retirement and the charges against him.
Nickelson’s indictment marks a troubling chapter for the Huntsville Police Department, as he becomes the fifth former or current officer to be arrested since July, amid a pattern of multiple incidents involving law enforcement personnel in the area.
Background and Context
The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers program plays a crucial role in assisting law enforcement agencies by providing rewards to individuals who submit credible tips that lead to the arrest of criminals. Public cooperation and trust are essential elements in fostering effective crime-fighting initiatives; therefore, allegations of misconduct concerning the program can significantly impact its integrity and reputation.
Key Details of the Case
- Indicted Individual: Charles Nathan Nickelson
- Age: 60
- Charges: One count of using his office for personal gain
- Punishment: Two to 20 years in prison
- Alleged Misappropriated Funds: $25,525
- Booking Time: 10:04 p.m. on Thursday
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Number of Officers Arrested since July: Five
FAQ Section
Who is Charles Nathan Nickelson?
Charles Nathan Nickelson, 60, is a retired Huntsville police officer and former head of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers.
What are the charges against Nickelson?
Nickelson is charged with one count of using his office for personal gain, a Class B felony, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison.
What amount is alleged to have been misappropriated?
Nickelson allegedly took “all or a portion” of $25,525 meant to pay credible tipsters of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers program.
When did Nickelson retire from the police department?
Nickelson retired from the Huntsville Police Department in August 2024.
How much was Nickelson’s bond?
Nickelson was released on a $10,000 bond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Retired Huntsville Police Officer Arrested Over Fund Misappropriation
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Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted for Misuse of Funds
Former Huntsville Police Officer Indicted for Fund Misappropriation
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Retired Huntsville cop indicted after following financial probe into Crime Stoppers account
- Wikipedia: Crime Stoppers
- AL.com: Former Huntsville cop accused of taking $25,000 meant for tipsters
- Google Search: Huntsville Police Department
- WHNT: Huntsville police sergeant arrested, released on bond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corruption
- ABC 33/40: Former Crime Stoppers coordinator indicted
- Google News: Huntsville Crime Stoppers
- 1819 News: Former Huntsville Crime Stoppers coordinator indicted
- WAFF: Huntsville police sergeant arrested, charged with criminal use of defensive spray
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.
