Huntsville, AL, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles addresses community concerns following the arrests of four current officers and one former officer. Chief Giles reassures the community that these incidents do not reflect the values of the police department. The arrests include serious charges such as theft and DUI, raising questions about accountability within the force. Despite the actions of a few, Chief Giles emphasizes the commitment of the majority to serve Huntsville with integrity.
Huntsville – Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles has addressed the community’s concerns following the recent arrests of four current officers and one former officer over the past month. Chief Giles emphasized that these events do not represent the standards or values of the Huntsville Police Department, underscoring the importance of trust, stating that “Trust is not given – it is earned.” He reassured the community of the department’s commitment to serving Huntsville with integrity.
The recent legal troubles began with Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 29-year veteran of the police force and the former head of the Crime Stoppers program. Nickelson was indicted by a Madison County Grand Jury for taking $25,525 intended for tipsters, actions allegedly motivated by personal gain. Following his retirement, discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account prompted the department to report the matter to the nonprofit board and the Attorney General’s office.
In separate incidents, Timothy Richards, a sergeant, faced charges of criminal use of defensive spray for allegedly using pepper spray against an individual while off duty. Richards was booked into the Madison County Jail on September 25 and subsequently released on a $10,000 bond. He has since been placed on administrative leave.
Officers Scott Hartman and George Wheeler III were both arrested for DUI-related offenses. Hartman was involved in a two-vehicle crash while off duty on September 6, which led to his arrest after police observed signs of impairment. Wheeler similarly faced DUI charges after crashing his vehicle at the intersection of Tuliptree Drive and Nadina Drive while off duty. Both Hartman and Wheeler have been moved to administrative duty pending investigations by the Internal Affairs Division.
Additionally, Chadwick Campbell was charged in July with willful torture/abuse of a child. Former officer David McCoy is currently awaiting trial for capital murder, concerning the alleged killing of his pregnant girlfriend in 2022.
Despite these serious allegations against a small number of officers, Chief Giles reiterated that the dedication and integrity of the Huntsville Police Department are upheld by the majority of officers who serve the community professionally. Nickelson has since posted bail and been released, while Wheeler, Hartman, and Campbell remain on desk duty during ongoing investigations.
Key Arrests Overview
- Charles Nathan Nickelson: Indicted for taking $25,525 intended for tipsters.
- Timothy Richards: Indicted for criminal use of defensive spray.
- Scott Hartman: Arrested for DUI after a crash while off duty.
- George Wheeler III: Arrested for DUI after a crash while off duty.
- Chadwick Campbell: Charged in July with willful torture/abuse of a child.
- David McCoy: Awaiting trial for capital murder related to the death of his pregnant girlfriend.
Background on Crime Stoppers Discrepancies
Following Nickelson’s retirement, the Huntsville Police Department discovered discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account, leading to an investigation that involved notifying both the nonprofit board and the Attorney General’s office. This incident marked a significant concern for the community, emphasizing the need for accountability within the police department.
Conclusion
As Huntsville grapples with the implications of these arrests, Chief Giles remains committed to restoring and maintaining public trust in the police department, reiterating that the actions of a few do not reflect the commitment or integrity demonstrated by the majority of officers who serve the community professionally.
FAQ Section
What recent arrests have occurred in the Huntsville Police Department?
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles emphasized that recent events involving current and former officers do not represent the standards or values of the Huntsville Police Department. Four current officers and one former officer have been arrested over the past month, causing community concern.
What were the charges against Charles Nathan Nickelson?
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 29-year veteran of the department and former head of the Crime Stoppers program, was indicted by a Madison County Grand Jury for personal gain, accused of taking $25,525 intended for tipsters.
What other incidents were reported involving officers?
Timothy Richards, a sergeant, was indicted on charges of criminal use of defensive spray for allegedly using pepper spray against an individual while off duty. Officer Scott Hartman was involved in a two-vehicle crash while off duty on September 6, resulting in his arrest for DUI after police observed signs of impairment. Officer George Wheeler III was also arrested for DUI after crashing his vehicle while off duty at the intersection of Tuliptree Drive and Nadina Drive.
What is the current status of the arrested officers?
Nickelson has posted bail and has been released from jail; Wheeler, Hartman, and Campbell remain on desk duty pending investigations by the Internal Affairs Division.
Key Features Summary
| Officer Involved | Charge | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Nathan Nickelson | Indicted for taking $25,525 intended for tipsters | Released on bail |
| Timothy Richards | Criminal use of defensive spray | Placed on administrative leave |
| Scott Hartman | DUI | Placed on administrative duty |
| George Wheeler III | DUI | Placed on administrative duty |
| Chadwick Campbell | Willful torture/abuse of a child | Placed on desk duty |
| David McCoy | Capital murder (awaiting trial) | Awaiting trial |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Madison County Jail Escape Investigation
Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Madison County, Iowa
Missing 64-Year-Old Man Found Safe in Nebraska
Huntsville Man Arrested for Discharging Firearm into Home
Community Responds to Closure of 708 Bar & Grille in North Huntsville
Huntsville City Council Approves $343.7 Million Budget Focused on Public Safety
Former Huntsville Officer Indicted for Misusing Crime Stoppers Funds
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Chief Addresses Arrests
- WHNT: Huntsville Police Chief Comments on Recent Arrests
- 1819 News: Huntsville Police Department Lawsuit
- AL.com: Off-Duty Officer Arrested for DUI
- WAFF: Officer Charged with DUI
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Huntsville Police Department
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
