Ex-police officer free on bond
By Marty Roney
Montgomery Advertiser
Todd Townson is set to appear before Autauga County District Judge Phillip Wood on April 19
Source: Whit Moncrief, circuit clerk
A former Prattville police officer faces misdemeanor charges that he improperly used a rifle that had been seized in a drug case.
Todd Townson turned himself in to authorities at the Autauga County Sheriff's Office about 9 a.m. Thursday, said Sheriff Herbie Johnson.
Records show he was arrested on misappropriation of property charges and released on a $500 bond, which is standard in misdemeanor cases, the sheriff said.
Townson, a lieutenant and supervisor for second shift patrol, resigned from the Prattville force Tuesday amid an internal investigation.
He also is the former commander of the department's drug unit and was a 15-year veteran. If convicted, Townson faces fines up to $1,000 and a year in the metro jail.
Townson allegedly took an AR-15 rifle, which had been seized in a drug case, out of the drug unit's evidence locker. An AR-15 is the legal, semi-automatic version of the military's M-16 rifle. After using the rifle, Townson allegedly tried to sell it at a Montgomery gun shop. When questions about the rifle arose, he allegedly retrieved the rifle and destroyed it.
His attorney, Bruce Maddox of Montgomery, was out of the state Thursday and could not be reached for comment. Townson also is facing a charge of theft of property in the second-degree, a felony.
"The evidence supports a misdemeanor charge," said Glenn Goggans, the assistant district attorney who is handling the case. "This case was handled just like any other case. No one is above the law. Mr. Townson was charged, arrested and processed through the jail just like anyone else who is charged with a misdemeanor."
The case will be heard in Autauga County District Court. Prattville Municipal Court usually would have jurisdiction.
"The Prattville Police Department handles their misdemeanor cases in municipal court," Goggans said. "If it remained in municipal court, there would have to be a new judge and prosecutor appointed. We felt it would be best to move it to district court."
Mayor Jim Byard declined to comment about the arrest Thursday.
"I hate it for the police department and the officers because this is a black eye for the city," said Sandi Lambert of Prattville. "It looks like they are handling it right. A person has to face up to their actions."
