Police chief arrested for ‘misappropriation’ of Christmas charity funds

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell was arrested April 28 for “misappropriation of funds” related to a local Fraternal Order of Police annual Christmas fundraiser, according to a press release issued by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

State Bureau of Investigations, ALEA’s investigative division, in conjunction with investigators with the 19th Circuit District Attorney’s Office, arrested Stilwell, 44, following an investigation into the misappropriation of funds related to Fraternal Order of Police Smith/Dale Lodge 31’s annual Operation Santa Claus effort.

Stilwell was charged with one count first-degree theft and one count fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the release.

“Other potential charges will be presented to the grand jury after further investigation,” the release stated.

Stilwell was booked into the Autauga County Jail.

SBI Special Agents request information from anyone who has made monetary donations to the lodge for Operation Santa Claus during the past four years.

The effort was established to raise money and purchase gifts for children.

Stilwell’s case is still waiting to be presented to a grand jury.

 

May

Monument memorializes fallen soldiers from West End

A monument was unveiled May 9 at E.M. Henry Park in Clanton that memorialized two members of the West End community who lost their lives while serving their country.

The memorial dedication was the centerpiece of the first May Day Fest, which organizers plan to hold annually on the second Saturday in May as a way to bring together the community.

The monument was erected in honor of SP4 Charles Turner, a 1959 graduate of Chilton County Training School who was killed on Sept. 27, 1966 in Vietnam; and SSG George Alexander Jr., who served in eight tours in the Middle East before being killed by a roadside bomb on Oct. 22, 2005.

Alexander was the 2,000th U.S. soldier killed in combat in Iraq since the beginning of the 2003 invasion.

Students graduate from local high schools

About 490 students from high schools in Chilton County received their diplomas on May 21.

Graduation ceremonies were held at Chilton County High School, Verbena High School, Isabella High School, Maplesville High School, Thorsby High School and Jemison High School.

The number of students graduating was slightly above the 470 students who graduated in 2014.