Marion County Sheriff

Sheriff confirms jail fees, open to solutions to keep people out of jail


Sheriff Kevin Williams would rather persons avoid jail time by showing up for court and working out payment plans for their fees and fines, instead of facing arrest and even more costly fines.
HAMILTON — The Journal Record reached out to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams concerning the recent ordinance passed in Bear Creek related to increased fines for persons with misdemeanor charges failing to show up for municipal court.

Major changes made to proposed legislation

HAMILTON — Major changes have been made to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams’ proposed legislation this past Monday during a Marion County Commission meeting on April 10.
Speaking to the Marion County Commission on Monday, March 20, Williams announced three separate proposed bills that aim to improve pay for the sheriff and employees as well as change qualifications for those who run for the office of sheriff throughout the State of Alabama.
Initially, Williams proposed the sheriff’s salary be set at $81,000 per year.

Deputy spikes speeder on I-22

Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies assist the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in making an arrest after a high speed chase on I-22.

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
HAMILTON — The Marion County Sheriff’s Department has again assisted the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in stopping crime on I-22 involving a high speed chase.
On Friday, Dec. 2, driver Zachary Holmes and passenger Demarco Buck were both arrested after a chase at speeds of over 100 miles per hour on I-22.
Holmes was driving a white Dodge Hellcat during the chase.

County close to implementing pay scale

Sheriff Kevin Williams addresses Marion County Commissioners during pay scale discussions on Monday, Dec. 5.

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
HAMILTON — After months of evaluating different pay scales for county employees, the Marion County Commission is getting closer to implementing a pay scale after a work session held on Monday, Dec. 5, in Hamilton.
In attendance were Marion County Commissioners and department heads including Revenue Commissioner Barbara Cooper, Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams, Marion County Engineer Chris Wilbanks and Probate Judge Paige Vick.

Marijuana bust nets 129 pounds

To the right, Sheriff’s Deputies Jordan Carter, left, and Garrett Weeks, right, stand in front of the 129 pounds of marijuana seized during a traffic stop on I-22.

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
MARION COUNTY  — The Marion County Sheriff’s Department’s plans to sweep up crime on Interstate 22 has already become a fruitful venture, with major events happening in the past week for the department’s joint efforts along with adjoining counties.

Former Democratic party chairwoman turns herself in

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
HAMILTON — Former Marion County Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Cobb turned herself in to the Marion County Sheriff’s department on Thursday, March 17, with charges of fraudulent use of a credit card. She was arrested and placed in the Marion County Jail in Hamilton.
Cobb’s charge dates back to an offense that occurred in October 2020.