Reports of guns stolen from the Geneva County Sheriff’s Office led county commissioners to call for a broad and external investigation of the sheriff’s office.
Commissioners unanimously authorized the external investigation, which could include among others the State Bureau of Investigation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama Department of Examiners and the Alabama Ethics Commission.
Commissioner Weston Spivey called what he’s seen from the sheriff’s office “disturbing.”
Spivey alleged Sheriff Tony Helms’ relative Cody Johnson stole property from Helms — property which included multiple weapons, which were not held at the Sheriff’s Office, but instead at a a personal property of Helms.
Spivey also questioned why sheriff’s office vehicles were seen in other places and possibly not being used for emergencies.
Commissioner Jeff Hatcher further questioned why Helms hired former Samson police chief Jimmy Hill, who allegedly left the department for mishandling weapons.
Johnson’s arrest is still under investigation.
Sheriff Tony Helms said the investigation was not needed, as an active investigation is already underway from the state.
He said the State Bureau of Investigation was aware of why guns were stored outside of the Sheriff’s Office. He also said the guns and other equipment taken were not evidence, some of the stolen items including his person property. He said the guns stolen were there several years due to a lack of storage resources provided to the Sheriff’s Office.
Helms said the party responsible was in jail and was being held accountable.
“I hate it, I really do,” he said. “I didn’t steal. The person behind it is in jail.”
