Huntsville, Alabama, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a retired Huntsville police officer, has been indicted for allegedly misappropriating over $25,000 intended for credible tipsters. The indictment follows an investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, which identified discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account he once managed. Nickelson faces serious charges, including using his official position for personal gain, classified as a Class B felony that could result in significant prison time. The investigation is ongoing, and the local Crime Stoppers organization has pledged transparency throughout the process.
Huntsville, Alabama – Charles Nathan Nickelson, a retired Huntsville police officer and former head of Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, has been indicted following an investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. The indictment arose after discrepancies were identified in the accounting of funds within the Crime Stoppers account managed by a non-profit organization after Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024.
Authorities discovered that Nickelson allegedly misappropriated “all or a portion” of $25,520 that was meant for compensating credible tipsters. He was booked into jail at 10:04 p.m. on Thursday and released just 28 minutes later. The investigation into Nickelson’s actions remains ongoing, but local officials have not disclosed any additional details.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced that Nickelson faces one count of using his official position for personal gain. This count is classified as a Class B felony, which carries potential penalties of 2 to 20 years of imprisonment. The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division will be managing Nickelson’s case. However, no further information regarding the investigation is currently available.
In a statement regarding the ongoing investigation, the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability. They confirmed their cooperation with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and reported being made aware of potential irregularities that prompted the inquiry into Nickelson’s conduct.
Kerry Straub, a board member of Crime Stoppers, clarified that the accounting department had no involvement in Nickelson’s indictment and emphasized that his retirement was not related to the investigation. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, officials have not provided further context or details regarding the specific nature of the accounting discrepancies.
This case brings attention to the importance of financial accountability within organizations, especially those involved in public safety and community support. The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers aims to encourage community engagement while ensuring responsible management of funds intended for public service initiatives.
Background Context
The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement receive tips and information about criminal activity, often rewarding informants for credible leads. The integrity of this system relies heavily on the trustworthy management of funds meant to incentivize public involvement in crime reduction efforts.
The indictment of a former officer who led such an organization raises concerns not only within the community but also among law enforcement agencies about oversight and ethical standards in handling resources intended for public benefit. As the investigation continues, stakeholders are keenly awaiting updates that may shed light on the broader implications of Nickelson’s alleged misdeeds.
FAQ
What prompted the indictment of Charles Nathan Nickelson?
The indictment followed an investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office which revealed discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account he managed.
What amount of money is Nickelson accused of misappropriating?
Nickelson is alleged to have taken “all or a portion” of $25,520 that was designated for paying credible tipsters.
What are the potential penalties Nickelson faces?
Nickelson faces one count of using his official position for personal gain, classified as a Class B felony, which could lead to 2 to 20 years of imprisonment.
Is the investigation into Nickelson’s conduct ongoing?
Yes, the investigation is still ongoing, with no additional details shared by local authorities.
What has the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers organization stated?
Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers confirmed their cooperation with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and expressed their commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Indicted Individual | Charles Nathan Nickelson, former Huntsville police officer |
| Position | Former head of Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers |
| Amount Misappropriated | $25,520 intended for credible tipsters |
| Charges | One count of using official position for personal gain, a Class B felony |
| Potential Penalties | 2 to 20 years of imprisonment |
| Investigation | Ongoing by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office |
| Organization’s Response | Cooperation with the investigation and commitment to transparency |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Retired Huntsville Cop Indicted
- ABC 33/40: Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted
- Yellowhammer News: Huntsville Cop Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Stoppers
- Google Search: Charles Nathan Nickelson
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.
