HANCEVILLE — Amid growing reports of misuse of state prisoners for using inmates for private labor statewide, a Cullman County mayor has resigned after pleading guilty to 15 misdemeanor counts.
Kenneth Nail of Hanceville had been charged with also using city employees while at work as well as inmates while they were in custody.
“I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this,” Nail wrote in an apology. “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.”
Nail has served as mayor since 2008. Hanceville, a city of some 3,200 people, is about an hour south of Huntsville.
Mayor pro tem Jimmy Sawyer will be acting mayor until the City Council appoints a permanent mayor. The council has 60 days to fill the position.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced the multi-count indictment against Nail last month. The initial charges were felonies but reduced to misdemeanors in the plea deal.
The Associated Press said, according to court records, the crimes happened between Sept. 30, 2019, and Sept. 29, 2023. According to the indictment, Nail routinely solicited former Police Chief Bob Long to perform work at Nail’s home while the chief was on duty, and he had another employee, Joshua Howell, drive to Georgia in a city vehicle while on duty to perform work on a trailer owned by Nail and his wife.
Nail also used three former jail inmates to do work at his home while they were in custody, the indictment alleges.
As part of the plea, Crocker said Nail was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution, a $2,500 fine, perform 120 hours of community service and will be on probation for 15 years, which prohibits working for any public or governmental entity during probation.
“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. “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.”
Nail was represented by attorneys Michael Whisonant and Richard Jaffe.
“Mayor Nail cares deeply for the citizens Hanceville, and has given most of his adult life to the service of the citizens of Cullman County,” according to a statement from the lawyers. “He also greatly appreciates all the people that have reached out and supported him through this difficult process, and is happy this is behind him.”
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