Hanceville hires private investigator

Hanceville hires private investigator

By Noah Chandler
The Cullman Times

The Hanceville City council is currently paying a private investigator to look into activities that happened under former Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Watson.

“We were aware that there was probably some equipment missing,” councilman Hubert Jones said, explaning why the council hired the investigator.

Mayor Katie Whitley said private investigator Daniel Howell started work Sept. 26 and as of Friday, Nov. 3 has earned 8,455.84, including a 500 retainer fee. She said Howell is paid 40 per hour and gets reimbursed for fuel costs.

According to pay records turned in by Howell, he worked a total of 80.5 hours from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 earning 2,720. From Oct. 3-19 Howell worked 111.5 hours earning 4,460. Howell was reimbursed 775.84 for mileage from Sept. 26 to Oct. 19.

Whitley said the council voted Sept. 24 to hire Howell, who started work two days later. She said Jones introduced the motion at the city council meeting.

Jones said he did not want to involve the police department in the investigation out of fear they would “be conflicted.” He said a friend had referred Howell and after speaking with him, Jones presented the idea to the council.

Whitley said the motion to hire Howell passed unanimously without discussion.

Jones said the investigation would not be a long one and might be completed within the next week.

“I think he (Howell) has some loose ends to tie up, but it won’t be a long-term deal. I would think he has another 3-5 days left.”

According to pay check stubs signed by Whitley, Howell has worked a total of 192 hours and driven 1,939.60 miles during the six-week period. Whitley said the city will continue with Howell’s service until all evidence is collected regarding Watson and his dismissal.

“As soon as the investigation is finished we will send out a press release disclosing his findings