HOUSTON COUNTY: Former Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigator Chris Summerlin has entered into the pre-trial diversion program for Theft of Property.
The former investigator was the lead investigator and arresting officer in a Bank Robbery of Midsouth Bank in Ashford on May 3, 2022. Howell drove up to the drive-in window and pulled a firearm, white sitting in his vehicle, and pointed it at the bank teller through the glass and demanded the money. Following the bank teller obeying his commands the suspect fled the scene.
Ashford Police and Houston County Sheriff Deputies responded. The suspect was quickly identified and located on Pleasant Grove Road just east of Ashford. Following a brief standoff, the suspect, identified as Sterling Lee Howell, was arrested. Following the execution of a search warrant, the money taken was recovered. Howell was carried to Houston County Sheriff’s Office, where he was questioned and placed in the Houston County Jail.
On April 29, 2024 Sterling Lee Howell entered a guilty plea to the Robbery in the first degree charge before 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Chris Richardson. Following the guilty plea Judge Richardson sentenced Sterling Lee Howell to Life in the Alabama Department of Corrections. Howell was given a credit of 145 days for time he had served in the Houston County Jail.
Following the Plea of Guilty, the victim of the robbery, Midsouth Bank, was due the recovered money back. The Houston County Sheriff Vault Officers went to return the money, but over $2,000 was reported missing from the funds recovered. Houston County Sheriff Internal Affairs Investigator Barry Tucker began an internal investigation. Following the investigation Houston County Sheriff Sgt. Ricky Herring swore out arrest warrants on Chris Summerlin, who was the case officer. Summerlin was arrested on August 5, 2024 and released from the Houston County Jail on bond. Summerlin either resigned or was terminated from Houston County Sheriff Department.
On February 27, 2025, following an agreement of Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigator Sgt. Ricky Herring and the District Attorney Office, former Houston County Sheriff Investigator Chris Summerlin was granted pre-trial diversion. This program allows a defendant to pay restitution, pay money to the District Attorney Office, court costs and fines, perform community service. Following the completion of the agreed contract, payment of the monies agreed, and staying out of trouble for 12 months, the criminal charges are then dismissed. The Judge in the case has no say in the granting of pre-trial once the arresting officer, victims and District Attorney agree to pre-trial.
STERLING HOWELL PLEA AGREEMENT
CHRIS SUMMERLIN PRE-TRIAL AGREEMENT
Summerlin by Rickey Stokes on Scribd
