Huntsville, Alabama, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old retired Huntsville police officer, has been indicted for misappropriating over $25,000 from Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers. The investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office revealed that discrepancies in the account were discovered after his retirement. Nickelson is facing a Class B felony charge that could result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years. The Crime Stoppers organization is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations to ensure transparency.
Huntsville, Alabama – Charles Nathan Nickelson, a 60-year-old retired Huntsville police officer, has been indicted and arrested on charges of misappropriating funds from Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation that led to Nickelson’s indictment.
Nickelson, who served as the coordinator for Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers, is facing one count of using his official position for personal gain, a charge classified as a Class B felony. The allegations suggest that he misappropriated a total of $25,525 that belonged to the organization. This charge carries significant legal consequences, including a potential prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years.
After retiring from the Huntsville Police Department in August 2024, discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account were identified. These discrepancies prompted the Huntsville Police Department to report the findings to the non-profit Board of Directors, leading to a referral to the Attorney General’s Office for further investigation.
Nickelson was booked into jail last Thursday night at 10:04 p.m. but was released 28 minutes later after posting a $10,000 bond. The investigation into Nickelson’s actions is ongoing, with no further details released at this time. Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s Office during the inquiry and has expressed their commitment to transparency and accountability in the matter.
Kerry Straub, a member of the Crime Stoppers board, confirmed that Nickelson’s actions were not related to the accounting department, emphasizing that the department had no involvement in his indictment. Furthermore, it was noted that Nickelson’s retirement was not connected to the indictment.
The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division. Despite the ongoing investigation, Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers remains dedicated to serving the community with integrity and maintaining its mission of combatting crime in the area.
Background Context
Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that aids in the prevention and resolution of crime through community engagement and anonymous tips. As a coordinator, Nickelson was responsible for overseeing the operations of the organization and ensuring that funds were managed appropriately and transparently.
The decision to investigate Nickelson highlights the emphasis on accountability within law enforcement and non-profit organizations. The unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to ethical standards and regulations, especially when handling public funds.
FAQ
Who is Charles Nathan Nickelson?
Charles Nathan Nickelson, 60, is a retired Huntsville police officer who has been indicted and arrested following an investigation by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. He served as the coordinator for Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers.
What are the charges against Nickelson?
Nickelson is charged with one count of using his official position for personal gain, which is classified as a Class B felony. He is alleged to have misappropriated $25,525 from Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers.
What is the potential penalty for Nickelson’s charge?
The charge against Nickelson carries a potential prison sentence of two to 20 years.
How was the misappropriation discovered?
Discrepancies in the Crime Stoppers account were identified after Nickelson’s retirement, leading the Huntsville Police Department to report the findings to the non-profit Board of Directors, which subsequently referred them to the Attorney General’s Office.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the investigation into Nickelson’s actions is still ongoing, and no further details have been released.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Indicted Individual | Charles Nathan Nickelson |
| Age | 60 |
| Position | Retired Huntsville police officer and coordinator for Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers |
| Charge | Misappropriation of funds |
| Amount Misappropriated | $25,525 |
| Potential Sentence | 2 to 20 years |
| Investigation Initiated | After discrepancies were found post-retirement |
| Bond Information | $10,000 |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Former Huntsville cop accused of taking $25,000 meant for tipsters
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAFF: Retired Huntsville cop accused of stealing reward money
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- WHNT: Retired Huntsville officer arrested
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.
