Mayor Kenneth Nail Steps Down and Admits Wrongdoing
Mayor Kenneth Nail of Hanceville, Alabama, officially resigned from his position on Tuesday after pleading guilty to 15 misdemeanor counts. The charges against Nail stemmed from his alleged use of city employees and inmates for private labor. The mayor expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this. I never wanted to bring any negativity to Hanceville.”
Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors in Plea Deal
Nail, 60, had served as mayor of Hanceville since 2008. The city, located between Birmingham and Huntsville, has a population of approximately 3,200. The initial charges against Nail were felony crimes but were later reduced to misdemeanors as part of a plea deal. The crimes in question took place between September 30, 2019, and September 29, 2023, according to court records.
Allegations of Misconduct
The indictment revealed that Nail regularly solicited former Police Chief Bob Long to perform personal tasks while the chief was on duty. Additionally, Nail allegedly had another employee, Joshua Howell, perform work on a trailer owned by Nail and his wife using a city vehicle while on duty. Furthermore, Nail is accused of utilizing three former jail inmates to work at his home while they were in custody.
Punishment and Accountability
As part of his guilty plea, Nail will have to pay $4,000 in restitution, a $2,500 fine, and complete 120 hours of community service. He will also be placed on probation for 15 years, during which time he is prohibited from working for any public or governmental entity. District Attorney Crocker emphasized the importance of maintaining trust between the people and their government, stating, “I believe this swift resolution is balanced and shows both consideration for admitting guilt and that elected officials who violate the public trust will be held accountable.”
Legal Representation and Moving Forward
Nail was represented by attorneys Michael Whisonant and Richard Jaffe, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. In a statement, they acknowledged Nail’s dedication to serving the citizens of Hanceville and thanked those who supported him throughout the difficult process. Nail expressed relief that this chapter of his life is now behind him.
