The former evidence custodian of the Hanceville Police Department, Lowell Adam Hadder, has filed a lawsuit claiming he was effectively fired without a valid reason. This lawsuit came shortly after the tragic death of dispatcher Christopher Michael Willingham, who was found dead in his office.
In his lawsuit, filed on August 29, 2024, Hadder argues that the handling of department evidence was compromised when Mayor Jimmy Sawyer ordered him to leave his position in April 2024. Hadder alleges that he wasn’t allowed to take inventory or properly transition his responsibilities to the new custodian. This accusation raises concerns about the integrity of evidence management within the department.
The timing of the lawsuit is significant, as it was filed just six days after Willingham’s passing. The county coroner ruled that Willingham died from an accidental overdose involving multiple substances, including fentanyl and amphetamines. A grand jury later determined that Willingham’s death was directly linked to negligence within the Hanceville Police Department.
As a result, five police officers, including the police chief, faced 26 criminal charges. These charges are related to allegations of evidence mishandling and other misconduct. Interestingly, none of these officers have been charged in connection with Willingham’s death.
The grand jury’s findings criticized a “culture of corruption” in the department, leading to the decision to place the remaining officers on leave. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office has taken over policing duties in Hanceville as a result. The grand jury even recommended the complete abolition of the Hanceville Police Department.
District Attorney Champ Crocker highlighted issues related to evidence access, confirming that many individuals had unmonitored entry to the evidence room. In fact, when Willingham was found deceased, there was evidence present in his office, raising additional questions. Crocker revealed that a hole in the wall leading to the evidence room had been created, allowing unauthorized access.
The mayor has expressed support for an audit of the evidence room by authorities. In his lawsuit, Hadder described an uncomfortable experience with Mayor Sawyer, who allegedly insisted he resign without providing a clear reason. After heated moments in a meeting with city officials, Hadder claims he was pressured to leave his job immediately, leaving behind unresolved tasks regarding evidence inventory.
Even after the mayor agreed to allow him to use vacation and sick leave, he quickly altered his stance, forcing Hadder to leave that same day. Hadder explained that abandoning his responsibilities would jeopardize the evidence chain, which is critical to criminal cases. Despite his objections, he was told to vacate the premises and was ultimately driven home by an officer, which he found immensely humiliating.
Hadder is seeking the reinstatement of his employment so he can properly account for his accrued leave and receive his retirement benefits. His lawsuit raises serious questions about the practices and accountability within the Hanceville Police Department.
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