A grand jury has indicted Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail on 15 counts regarding the ‘use of position or office for personal gain,’ according to the Cullman County District Attorney’s office.

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said in a statement:

“I am limited on what I, as the prosecutor can say about this particular case due to the Rules of Professional Conduct.

However, as a matter of public policy and good government — elected officials are entrusted to perform their duties honestly and above reproach. When that bond of trust is broken, our society suffers limitless harm.

Anyone with information regarding corrupt practices by public officials is encouraged to contact the Alabama Ethics Commission or the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.

My office — working with our state partners — is committed to ensuring that the violators of the public trust be held accountable under the law.”

In August, the Alabama Ethics Commission declined taking administrative action on a local complaint filed against Nail, opting instead to refer materials related to the complaint to the Cullman District Attorney’s office.