Huntsville, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old retired Huntsville police officer and former head of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, was arrested for allegedly misappropriating $25,525 from the organization’s funds. The investigation was initiated after discrepancies in accounting were discovered following his retirement. Nickelson has been charged with using his official position for personal gain, a Class B felony. After spending a brief time in jail, he was released on a $10,000 bond while the investigation continues.
Huntsville
Charles Nathan Nickelson, 60, a retired Huntsville police officer and former head of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers program, was arrested on Thursday around 10 p.m. He was booked into the Madison County Jail on a felony warrant and released 30 minutes later on a $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
The charges against Nickelson stem from an investigation conducted by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Discrepancies in the accounting of the Crime Stoppers account were discovered following Nickelson’s retirement in August 2024. The Huntsville Police Department reported these accounting irregularities to the board of directors of the nonprofit organization before referring the matter to the Attorney General’s Office.
The nonprofit, Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, aims to encourage community assistance to law enforcement agencies in fighting crime by overcoming fear and apathy. Nickelson is charged with one count of using his official position for personal gain, which constitutes a Class B felony. Allegedly, he took all or part of $25,525 from Huntsville Crime Stoppers funds.
The indictment claims that Nickelson violated Alabama Code section 36-25-5a, which prohibits public officials from using their office for personal financial benefit. Authorities allege that he intentionally diverted money that was meant for tipsters and was not entitled to receive under the law.
The Grand Jury of Madison County presented the indictment as a “TRUE BILL” on September 17, and it was officially filed on September 19. Nickelson had been honored at the Crime Stoppers’ 40th anniversary celebration in August 2024, recognizing his two decades of service, with significant law enforcement officials, including Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles and Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner, in attendance.
The Huntsville Police Department is currently acknowledging the active investigation but has provided no further details at this time. Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers stated they are cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office in the ongoing investigation and remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
FAQ
- Who is Charles Nathan Nickelson?
- Charles Nathan Nickelson is a 60-year-old retired Huntsville police officer and former head of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers program.
- What were the charges against Nickelson?
- Nickelson was charged with one count of using his official position for personal gain, constituting a Class B felony, after allegedly misappropriating $25,525 from Huntsville Crime Stoppers funds.
- When was Nickelson arrested?
- Nickelson was arrested on Thursday around 10 p.m. and booked into the Madison County Jail.
- How much bond was set for his release?
- Nickelson was released on a $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
- What initiated the investigation into Nickelson?
- The investigation was initiated after discrepancies in the accounting of the Crime Stoppers account were discovered following his retirement in August 2024.
- What is Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers?
- The Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization aimed at encouraging community assistance to law enforcement agencies in fighting crime by overcoming fear and apathy.
- What does Alabama Code section 36-25-5a state?
- This code prohibits public officials from using their office for personal financial benefit.
- When was the indictment presented?
- The indictment was presented as a “TRUE BILL” by the Grand Jury of Madison County on September 17 and officially filed on September 19.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Charles Nathan Nickelson |
| Age | 60 |
| Position | Retired Huntsville Police Officer, Former Head of Crime Stoppers |
| Incident | Arrested for misappropriating funds |
| Amount Involved | $25,525 |
| Legal Status | Released on $10,000 bond |
| Investigation By | Alabama Attorney General’s Office |
| Nature of Charges | One count of using official position for personal gain |
| Nonprofit Involved | Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers |
| Indictment Date | Filed on September 19 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Former Police Officer Indicted for Misappropriation of Funds
Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted for Misuse of Funds
Former Huntsville Police Officer Indicted for Fund Misappropriation
Former Huntsville Officer Indicted for Fund Misappropriation
Missing Persons Located in Madison County
Huntsville City Council Approves Comprehensive Budget
Former Huntsville Police Officer Indicted for Embezzlement
Retired Huntsville Officer Indicted for Misappropriation of Funds
Huntsville Police Sergeant Arrested for Misconduct
Huntsville Police Sergeant Arrested for Misuse of Defensive Spray
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Retired Huntsville Cop Indicted
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WHNT: Retired Huntsville Police Officer Arrested
- Google Search: Huntsville Crime Stoppers
- AL.com: Former Huntsville Cop Accused of Taking Funds
- Google Scholar: Huntsville Crime Stoppers Charles Nickelson
- Rocket City Now: Crime Stoppers Leader Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Stoppers
- ABC3340: Former Crime Stoppers Coordinator Indicted
- Google News: Charles 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.
