Precious moments died with my son; lives of victims, families forgotten in parole debate
MontgomeryAdvertiser.com • September 8, 2021
The drunk driver who killed Renota Tyus in 2008 and pled guilty to manslaughter has served less than half of his 20 year sentence and has already been granted two parole hearings
Veteran prosecutor elected first Black president of Alabama District Attorneys Association
AL.com • July 7, 2021
A veteran west Alabama prosecutor made history Wednesday when he was sworn in as the first Black president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association. Michael Jackson, 57, is the district attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit….
$60 million Terminix settlement: 12,000 homes retreated for termites; some may receive $650 payments
AL.com • November 5, 2020
Over 12,000 residents in Mobile, Baldwin and Monroe counties will be retreated for termites under a “historic” $60 million settlement the state of Alabama reached Thursday with Memphis-based Terminix International…
ADAA Chaplain reflects on year of tragedies
Andalusia Star News • DECEMBER 26, 2019
When fellow District Attorney Greg Griggers was injured in an ambush shooting outside his Demopolis office in November 2018, Walt Merrell knew it was time. Before the shooting, Merrell, the district attorney for Covington County, had felt…
‘I miss him every day:’ Mother remembers son lost to drowsy driving
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Shelia Faulkner remembers her son, Wendall Williams, who was killed in 2006 in a car crash caused by a driver who apparently fell asleep. Her son was a passenger and the driver fell asleep at the wheel after being up for more than 22 hours…
Why this Alabama District Attorney Worked to Restrict Access to Vaping
Medium • NOVEMBER 18, 2019
No state is immune to the current vaping epidemic impacting our youth, including Alabama. In Mobile County, three teenagers have been hospitalized so far due to illnesses brought upon by vaping and other e-cigarette use…
Gov. Ivey, DA Slatton announce $6.3M grant for victims assistance
JOURNAL RECORD • JANUARY 7, 2019
Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Friday, Dec. 7, the awarding of a $6.3 million state grant that will allow Alabama district attorneys to hire 88 Certified Victim Service Officers to assist victims of crime…
DA’s Office hires victim services coordinator with grant from governor’s office
OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS • DECEMBER 8, 2018
The Lee County District Attorney’s Office announced the hire of a victim services coordinator Friday that is funded by a grant from the governor’s office. Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday…
Confessed killer of 90 people could face justice in Alabama
AL.COM • DECEMBER 5, 2018
In the summer of 1984, along a rural south Mobile County road, the partially clothed body of a woman was discovered face down in a ditch. Investigators believe she had probably been there for a little more than four days, covered by underbrush…
AG’s office says Cannabidiol still illegal in clarification notice
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 29, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – The Alabama Attorney General’s office issued a public notice with guidance on the legality of cannabidiol (CBD) in Alabama. The report released Nov. 20 said CBD products is still not legal to sell in Alabama.
Serial rapist in landmark AL DNA conviction case denied parole
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 27, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – A Montgomery serial rapist convicted in the late 1980s has been denied parole. Timothy Yelder, 54, is serving four life sentences for the rapes of four women in east Montgomery in 1988.
Former Sumter County sheriff pleads guilty to corruption, drug charges
AL.COM • NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Former Sumter County Sheriff Tyrone Clark has pleaded guilty to more than a half dozen charges that led to his removal from office two years ago. Clark, who was taken out of office in 2016 for corruption and willful neglect of duty…
Final suspect in Montgomery Taco Bell murder found guilty, sentenced
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 20, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – The final suspect charged in connection with the 2014 robbery and brutal murder of a Montgomery Taco Bell manager pleaded guilty and will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to court documents.
Greg Griggers makes public appearance following shooting
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • NOVEMBER 16, 2018
One day after a gunman’s failed attempt to take his life during a midday ambush, District Attorney Greg Griggers made a public appearance at the Marengo County Courthouse. Griggers, 52, was hospitalized Thursday…
Former district attorney and judge Jimmy Fry dies at 68
AL REPORTER • NOVEMBER 14, 2018
The Alabama District Attorneys Association announced Tuesday that former District Attorney Jimmy Fry, who also served on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and was the former executive director of Legal Services Alabama, died Monday night following heart surgery. He was 68.
Limestone County mom sentenced to 40 years for scalding kids in bathtub
WAFF 48 • NOVEMBER 13, 2018
LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) – A Limestone County mother has learned her fate in prison after admitting that she placed both of her small children in a scalding bath as a form of punishment. A sentencing hearing for Amanda Reyer, 25, lasted all day Tuesday in the Limestone County Courthouse.
Self-made district attorney E. Paul Jones dies
THE OUTLOOK • NOVEMBER 12, 2018
By all accounts, E. Paul Jones lived life to its fullest but also served others along the way. The retired Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney passed away Sunday night after a battle with cancer. Colleagues and friends remember Jones…
Longtime district attorney Chris McCool becomes judge, swears in his successor, Andy Hamlin
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • NOVEMBER 10, 2018
The longtime district attorney for three West Alabama counties has handed over the reins to his successor. Chris McCool prosecuted thousands of cases while serving as District Attorney…
Centre honors Jackson at homecoming
THE SELMA TIMES JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30, 2018
Centre College recognized four graduates for their accomplishments and contributions on Oct. 27 as distinguished alumni with one being Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jaskson. This was part of the 2018 Homecoming campus festivities.
Push to solve several cold cases in Brighton area
CBS 42 • OCTOBER 18, 2018
BRIGHTON, Ala (WIAT) – The Bessemer Cutoff of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office is working with Brighton Police to solve several cold cases in the area. District Attorney Lynneice Washington says the old leadership at Brighton PD…
Anderson elected president of Alabama District Attorney Association
THE ENTERPRISE LEDGER • AUGUST 27, 2018
After being elected president of the Alabama District Attorney Association (ADAA), District Attorney Tom Anderson said he will work on behalf of crime victims while seeking fairness and justice through the Alabama court system.
Local, State and Federal Agencies Work Together to Get Guns Off the Streets in Dallas County
SELMA TIMES JOURNAL • AUGUST 9, 2018
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) formed a successful partnership with the Selma Police Department and the Gulf Coast Region to reduce gun violence.
Five things you need to know about Chris McCool
ALABAMA TODAY • JULY 5, 2018
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know…
Connolly named DA of Year
TIMES DAILY • JUNE 29, 2018
FLORENCE — As the Alabama District Attorney’s Association’s summer conference was winding down last week, Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly wasn’t thinking about the awards that were being handed out. So when his name was called as the recipient of the District Attorney of the Year award…
Dozens arrested as law enforcement cracks down on west Jefferson County gun, drug crimes
AL.COM • JUNE 25, 2018
More than two dozen people were taken into custody on federal or state charges following a roundup targeting violent criminals in the western part of the county. On Wednesday, June 20, teams of lawmen fanned out across the Bessemer Cutoff…
Tour teaches Army cadets about civil rights history
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • JUNE 16, 2018
Fourth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Michael Jackson recently hosted a group of touring cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as part of the academy’s Civil Rights Staff Ride. Meeting in the Dallas County Courthouse in Selma, Jackson spoke to the students about some of the high-profile cases he has handled.
Lee County district attorney tackling student drug impairment
WTVM • JUNE 11, 2018
LEE COUNTY, AL (WTVM) – Startling statistics are calling for educators and school resource officers to become more educated on drug abuse. In East Alabama, authorities say they are working to help students who might be caught in a dangerous lifestyle…
When Duty Calls: In the air, on the border and in the courtroom
ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER • JUNE 11, 2018
When in April President Donald Trump declared, “We’re going to be guarding our border with the military,” until the wall is complete, St. Clair County Assistant District Attorney Lyle Harmon answered the President’s call and is currently over a thousand miles away from home, patrolling the border between the United States and Mexico.
State Rep. Dexter Grimsley recognized by Alabama’s District Attorneys Association
DOTHAN EAGLE • MAY 31, 2018
State Representative Dexter Grimsley was recognized Thursday for his outstanding dedication and support to the Alabama prosecutors. Henry and Houston County officials and representatives with the District Attorney’s Office gathered at the Houston County Courthouse to support Grimsley as he received the Alabama District Attorney’s Association Rusty Hook Award.
DA: CBD oil illegal, merchants can expect raids
THE ANDALUSIA STAR-NEWS • MAY 8, 2018
District Attorney Walt Merrell on Monday put those who sell or use CBD oil on notice: Sooner or later, raids will come. CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, is a derivative of the marijuana plant. The district attorney said he began looking into the legality of CBD and the implications for merchants who sell it…
D.A. Lynneice Washington talks about National Crime Victim’s Rights Week events in Bessemer
CBS 42 • APRIL 11, 2018
(WIAT) – This week is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. There are events scheduled here in central Alabama this week to remember victims of violent crimes. District Attorney Lynneice Washington joined us on the CBS 42 Morning News…
AL district attorneys face extreme pressure from lack of funding
WSFA 12 NEWS • FEBRUARY 28, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – Barry Matson, Executive Director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, District attorneys offices across Alabama have been struggling to maintain a substantial level of funding for almost a decade, according to Barry Matson…
Civil forfeitures bill concerns law enforcement officials
TIMES DAILY • FEBRUARY 18, 2018
Local district attorneys and law enforcement officers are joining with others throughout the state to voice their concerns over a proposal that would change civil forfeitures in the state. Senate Bill 213, which was introduced by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, in late January, would change the process known as civil asset forfeiture.
New bill aims to keep fentanyl off Alabama streets
WSFA 12 • JANUARY 3, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – A bill aimed at introducing a drug trafficking penalty for fentanyl will once again have a chance for passage in Alabama’s legislature. It’s a bill similar to previous legislation, aimed at increasing penalties…
Some Alabama First Responders to Get Opioid Overdose Drug
MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER • SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Alabama is ranked as prescribing the most number of pain pills in 2015. Lynn Harris, a licensed counselor with the Chemical Dependence Recovery Program through Lighthouse Counseling Center discusses how to bring the numbers down.
Donation equips AL officers with life-saving doses of opioid antidote
WSFA 12 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – It’s the key life-saving agent in the fight against opioid overdoses. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse the deadly effects of an overdose. Many first responders in Alabama aren’t equipped with naloxone due to the high prices.
Alabama ABC Board approves increase in liquor markup
AL.COM • JUNE 14, 2017
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board today approved an increase of 5 percentage points in the markup on liquor, a move that will add about a dollar to the price of a $30 bottle. The three-member board approved the increase on a voice vote with no dissent…
St. Clair victims service officer Carrie Leland earns national accreditation
ST. CLAIR TIMES • MARCH 30, 2017
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — St. Clair County District Attorney’s victim service officer Carrie Leland was recently accredited as a nationally recognized professional victims advocate, according to a press release.
Veteran prosecutor elected first Black president of Alabama District Attorneys Association
AL.com • July 7, 2021
A veteran west Alabama prosecutor made history Wednesday when he was sworn in as the first Black president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association. Michael Jackson, 57, is the district attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit….
$60 million Terminix settlement: 12,000 homes retreated for termites; some may receive $650 payments
AL.com • November 5, 2020
Over 12,000 residents in Mobile, Baldwin and Monroe counties will be retreated for termites under a “historic” $60 million settlement the state of Alabama reached Thursday with Memphis-based Terminix International…
ADAA Chaplain reflects on year of tragedies
Andalusia Star News • DECEMBER 26, 2019
When fellow District Attorney Greg Griggers was injured in an ambush shooting outside his Demopolis office in November 2018, Walt Merrell knew it was time. Before the shooting, Merrell, the district attorney for Covington County, had felt…
‘I miss him every day:’ Mother remembers son lost to drowsy driving
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Shelia Faulkner remembers her son, Wendall Williams, who was killed in 2006 in a car crash caused by a driver who apparently fell asleep. Her son was a passenger and the driver fell asleep at the wheel after being up for more than 22 hours…
Why this Alabama District Attorney Worked to Restrict Access to Vaping
Medium • NOVEMBER 18, 2019
No state is immune to the current vaping epidemic impacting our youth, including Alabama. In Mobile County, three teenagers have been hospitalized so far due to illnesses brought upon by vaping and other e-cigarette use…
Gov. Ivey, DA Slatton announce $6.3M grant for victims assistance
JOURNAL RECORD • JANUARY 7, 2019
Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Friday, Dec. 7, the awarding of a $6.3 million state grant that will allow Alabama district attorneys to hire 88 Certified Victim Service Officers to assist victims of crime…
DA’s Office hires victim services coordinator with grant from governor’s office
OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS • DECEMBER 8, 2018
The Lee County District Attorney’s Office announced the hire of a victim services coordinator Friday that is funded by a grant from the governor’s office. Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday…
Confessed killer of 90 people could face justice in Alabama
AL.COM • DECEMBER 5, 2018
In the summer of 1984, along a rural south Mobile County road, the partially clothed body of a woman was discovered face down in a ditch. Investigators believe she had probably been there for a little more than four days, covered by underbrush…
AG’s office says Cannabidiol still illegal in clarification notice
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 29, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – The Alabama Attorney General’s office issued a public notice with guidance on the legality of cannabidiol (CBD) in Alabama. The report released Nov. 20 said CBD products is still not legal to sell in Alabama.
Serial rapist in landmark AL DNA conviction case denied parole
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 27, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – A Montgomery serial rapist convicted in the late 1980s has been denied parole. Timothy Yelder, 54, is serving four life sentences for the rapes of four women in east Montgomery in 1988.
Former Sumter County sheriff pleads guilty to corruption, drug charges
AL.COM • NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Former Sumter County Sheriff Tyrone Clark has pleaded guilty to more than a half dozen charges that led to his removal from office two years ago. Clark, who was taken out of office in 2016 for corruption and willful neglect of duty…
Final suspect in Montgomery Taco Bell murder found guilty, sentenced
WSFA 12 • NOVEMBER 20, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – The final suspect charged in connection with the 2014 robbery and brutal murder of a Montgomery Taco Bell manager pleaded guilty and will spend the rest of his life in prison, according to court documents.
Greg Griggers makes public appearance following shooting
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • NOVEMBER 16, 2018
One day after a gunman’s failed attempt to take his life during a midday ambush, District Attorney Greg Griggers made a public appearance at the Marengo County Courthouse. Griggers, 52, was hospitalized Thursday…
Former district attorney and judge Jimmy Fry dies at 68
AL REPORTER • NOVEMBER 14, 2018
The Alabama District Attorneys Association announced Tuesday that former District Attorney Jimmy Fry, who also served on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and was the former executive director of Legal Services Alabama, died Monday night following heart surgery. He was 68.
Limestone County mom sentenced to 40 years for scalding kids in bathtub
WAFF 48 • NOVEMBER 13, 2018
LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) – A Limestone County mother has learned her fate in prison after admitting that she placed both of her small children in a scalding bath as a form of punishment. A sentencing hearing for Amanda Reyer, 25, lasted all day Tuesday in the Limestone County Courthouse.
Self-made district attorney E. Paul Jones dies
THE OUTLOOK • NOVEMBER 12, 2018
By all accounts, E. Paul Jones lived life to its fullest but also served others along the way. The retired Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney passed away Sunday night after a battle with cancer. Colleagues and friends remember Jones…
Longtime district attorney Chris McCool becomes judge, swears in his successor, Andy Hamlin
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • NOVEMBER 10, 2018
The longtime district attorney for three West Alabama counties has handed over the reins to his successor. Chris McCool prosecuted thousands of cases while serving as District Attorney…
Centre honors Jackson at homecoming
THE SELMA TIMES JOURNAL • OCTOBER 30, 2018
Centre College recognized four graduates for their accomplishments and contributions on Oct. 27 as distinguished alumni with one being Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jaskson. This was part of the 2018 Homecoming campus festivities.
Push to solve several cold cases in Brighton area
CBS 42 • OCTOBER 18, 2018
BRIGHTON, Ala (WIAT) – The Bessemer Cutoff of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office is working with Brighton Police to solve several cold cases in the area. District Attorney Lynneice Washington says the old leadership at Brighton PD…
Anderson elected president of Alabama District Attorney Association
THE ENTERPRISE LEDGER • AUGUST 27, 2018
After being elected president of the Alabama District Attorney Association (ADAA), District Attorney Tom Anderson said he will work on behalf of crime victims while seeking fairness and justice through the Alabama court system.
Local, State and Federal Agencies Work Together to Get Guns Off the Streets in Dallas County
SELMA TIMES JOURNAL • AUGUST 9, 2018
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) formed a successful partnership with the Selma Police Department and the Gulf Coast Region to reduce gun violence.
Five things you need to know about Chris McCool
ALABAMA TODAY • JULY 5, 2018
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know…
Connolly named DA of Year
TIMES DAILY • JUNE 29, 2018
FLORENCE — As the Alabama District Attorney’s Association’s summer conference was winding down last week, Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly wasn’t thinking about the awards that were being handed out. So when his name was called as the recipient of the District Attorney of the Year award…
Dozens arrested as law enforcement cracks down on west Jefferson County gun, drug crimes
AL.COM • JUNE 25, 2018
More than two dozen people were taken into custody on federal or state charges following a roundup targeting violent criminals in the western part of the county. On Wednesday, June 20, teams of lawmen fanned out across the Bessemer Cutoff…
Tour teaches Army cadets about civil rights history
TUSCALOOSA NEWS • JUNE 16, 2018
Fourth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Michael Jackson recently hosted a group of touring cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as part of the academy’s Civil Rights Staff Ride. Meeting in the Dallas County Courthouse in Selma, Jackson spoke to the students about some of the high-profile cases he has handled.
Lee County district attorney tackling student drug impairment
WTVM • JUNE 11, 2018
LEE COUNTY, AL (WTVM) – Startling statistics are calling for educators and school resource officers to become more educated on drug abuse. In East Alabama, authorities say they are working to help students who might be caught in a dangerous lifestyle…
When Duty Calls: In the air, on the border and in the courtroom
ALABAMA POLITICAL REPORTER • JUNE 11, 2018
When in April President Donald Trump declared, “We’re going to be guarding our border with the military,” until the wall is complete, St. Clair County Assistant District Attorney Lyle Harmon answered the President’s call and is currently over a thousand miles away from home, patrolling the border between the United States and Mexico.
State Rep. Dexter Grimsley recognized by Alabama’s District Attorneys Association
DOTHAN EAGLE • MAY 31, 2018
State Representative Dexter Grimsley was recognized Thursday for his outstanding dedication and support to the Alabama prosecutors. Henry and Houston County officials and representatives with the District Attorney’s Office gathered at the Houston County Courthouse to support Grimsley as he received the Alabama District Attorney’s Association Rusty Hook Award.
DA: CBD oil illegal, merchants can expect raids
THE ANDALUSIA STAR-NEWS • MAY 8, 2018
District Attorney Walt Merrell on Monday put those who sell or use CBD oil on notice: Sooner or later, raids will come. CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, is a derivative of the marijuana plant. The district attorney said he began looking into the legality of CBD and the implications for merchants who sell it…
D.A. Lynneice Washington talks about National Crime Victim’s Rights Week events in Bessemer
CBS 42 • APRIL 11, 2018
(WIAT) – This week is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. There are events scheduled here in central Alabama this week to remember victims of violent crimes. District Attorney Lynneice Washington joined us on the CBS 42 Morning News…
AL district attorneys face extreme pressure from lack of funding
WSFA 12 NEWS • FEBRUARY 28, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – Barry Matson, Executive Director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, District attorneys offices across Alabama have been struggling to maintain a substantial level of funding for almost a decade, according to Barry Matson…
Civil forfeitures bill concerns law enforcement officials
TIMES DAILY • FEBRUARY 18, 2018
Local district attorneys and law enforcement officers are joining with others throughout the state to voice their concerns over a proposal that would change civil forfeitures in the state. Senate Bill 213, which was introduced by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, in late January, would change the process known as civil asset forfeiture.
New bill aims to keep fentanyl off Alabama streets
WSFA 12 • JANUARY 3, 2018
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – A bill aimed at introducing a drug trafficking penalty for fentanyl will once again have a chance for passage in Alabama’s legislature. It’s a bill similar to previous legislation, aimed at increasing penalties…
Some Alabama First Responders to Get Opioid Overdose Drug
MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER • SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Alabama is ranked as prescribing the most number of pain pills in 2015. Lynn Harris, a licensed counselor with the Chemical Dependence Recovery Program through Lighthouse Counseling Center discusses how to bring the numbers down.
Donation equips AL officers with life-saving doses of opioid antidote
WSFA 12 • SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) – It’s the key life-saving agent in the fight against opioid overdoses. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse the deadly effects of an overdose. Many first responders in Alabama aren’t equipped with naloxone due to the high prices.
Alabama ABC Board approves increase in liquor markup
AL.COM • JUNE 14, 2017
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board today approved an increase of 5 percentage points in the markup on liquor, a move that will add about a dollar to the price of a $30 bottle. The three-member board approved the increase on a voice vote with no dissent…
St. Clair victims service officer Carrie Leland earns national accreditation
ST. CLAIR TIMES • MARCH 30, 2017
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — St. Clair County District Attorney’s victim service officer Carrie Leland was recently accredited as a nationally recognized professional victims advocate, according to a press release.
