Kenneth Nail will be on probation for 15 years but won’t serve any jail time.
A long-time Alabama mayor has resigned and pleaded guilty to 15 counts of using city employees and inmates to do private work for him.
Kenneth Nail, now the former mayor of tiny Hanceville, had city employees work for him while they were on duty, AL.com reported.
The crimes took place between September 30, 2019, and September 29, 2023. He was initially charged with felonies in a Cullman County indictment but pleaded down to misdemeanors in the plea deal.
His resignation and a public apology were part of the plea deal.
“Today, I am pleading guilty to fifteen misdemeanor ethics violations,’’ Nail wrote in his apology. “I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this.
“I never wanted to bring any negativity to Hanceville. I love Hanceville and the people of Hanceville. I would never do anything to intentionally harm the city. Again, I am truly sorry.”
According to the indictment, Nail routinely used employees, including then-Police Chief Bob Long, and inmates in custody to work at his home and other locations. On one occasion, the indictment said, he had city employee Joshua Howell drive to Georgia in a city vehicle to work on a trailer that he and his wife owned.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said that Nail must also pay $4,000 in restitution, a $2,500 fine, and perform 120 hours of community service. He will also be on probation for 15 years and barred from working for any public or governmental entity during that time.
“The trust between the people and their government must remain strong. Mr. Nail pleaded guilty, admitted to his misconduct, and also apologized to the citizens of Hanceville for his actions,’’ Crocker said.
Nail was first elected to his post in Hanceville, a town of about 3,000 people, in 2008.
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[Featured image: Kenneth Nail/City of Hanceville]
