Huntsville, Alabama, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a former Huntsville police officer and head of Crime Stoppers, has been indicted for misappropriating over $25,000 in funds intended for community rewards. The indictment, announced by the Alabama Attorney General, raises serious concerns about accountability in non-profit organizations. Nickelson faces serious charges as the investigation concludes discrepancies were found in the crime prevention program’s accounts following his retirement. The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Division.
Huntsville, Alabama – Charles Nathan Nickelson, a former Huntsville police officer and head of Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, has been indicted for misappropriating over $25,000 in funds. The Alabama Attorney General, Steve Marshall, announced the indictment, which includes one count of using his official position for personal gain. Nickelson, 60, of Madison County, specifically faces a charge related to the misappropriation of $25,525 from the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers account. This serious allegation is classified as a Class B felony, which carries potential penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison.
Nickelson was arrested on Thursday evening and booked into the Madison County Jail at 10:04 p.m. He was quickly released just 28 minutes later on a $10,000 bond. The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation into Nickelson’s conduct began when discrepancies were discovered in the Crime Stoppers account following his retirement in August 2024. After these findings came to light, it prompted the Huntsville Police to report the irregularities to the organization’s Board of Directors. This led to a referral to the Attorney General’s Office for a thorough and independent investigation.
The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers organization has issued a statement indicating their full cooperation in the ongoing investigation, assuring their commitment to transparency and accountability. Court documents outline that Nickelson is accused of diverting funds intended for paying credible tipsters, raising concerns about the integrity of the program.
The indictment, labeled a “TRUE BILL,” was filed with the court on September 19 after being presented to the Grand Jury of Madison County on September 17. Notably, Nickelson was honored during a 40th-anniversary celebration for Crime Stoppers just one month prior to the indictment, recognizing his two decades of service to the organization.
Kerry Straub, a member of the Crime Stoppers board, emphasized that Nickelson’s retirement was not related to the indictment, suggesting that the active investigation pertains solely to the financial misappropriation. The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers stated that their accounting department had no involvement with Nickelson’s indictment.
The investigation into Nickelson’s activities remains ongoing, with additional details currently withheld pending further developments in the case.
Background Context
The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is a local non-profit organization aimed at helping law enforcement solve crimes through anonymous tips. Nickelson’s indictment raises serious questions regarding the management of funds intended for rewarding community members who help provide valuable information to the police. This case underscores the importance of accountability within organizations that rely on community support and trust.
FAQ
What was Charles Nathan Nickelson indicted for?
Charles Nathan Nickelson was indicted on one count of using his official position for personal gain, specifically for misappropriating all or part of $25,525 from Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers.
What are the potential penalties for the charge against Nickelson?
The charge against Nickelson is classified as a Class B felony, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison.
When was the indictment filed?
The indictment, labeled a “TRUE BILL,” was filed with the court on September 19 after being presented to the Grand Jury of Madison County on September 17.
What triggered the investigation into Nickelson’s activities?
The investigation began after discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account were discovered following Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024.
Is the investigation into Nickelson’s activities still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation into Nickelson’s activities is still ongoing and additional details cannot be disclosed at this time.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indicted Individual | Charles Nathan Nickelson |
| Position | Former Huntsville police officer and head of Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers |
| Amount Misappropriated | $25,525 |
| Indictment Charge | Class B felony for personal gain |
| Arrest Date | September 19 |
| Potential Sentencing | 2 to 20 years in prison |
| Investigation Launch | Following discovery of accounting discrepancies |
| Current Status | Investigation still ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Retired Huntsville Cop Indicted
- Wikipedia: Crime Stoppers
- WHNT: Former Head of Huntsville Crime Stoppers Arrested
- Google Search: Huntsville Crime Stoppers
- AL.com: Former Huntsville Cop Accused of Taking $25,000
- Google Scholar: Charles Nathan Nickelson
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Officer Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Crime
- ABC 3340: Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted
- Google News: Crime Stoppers Huntsville
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.
