Former Trussville Fire Chief Charged With Ethics Violations

TRUSSVILLE, AL - Former Trussville fire chief Russell Ledbetter was arrested Monday night and charged with theft and state ethics violations.

According to a report by the Trussville Tribune, Ledbetter's arrest comes after an extensive investigation by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Ledbetter is charged with two counts of first degree auto theft and sale, three counts of ethics violations, and one count of an overweight vehicle.

Multiple agents were seen removing items from Ledbetter's Stockton residence this morning and loading the items into their vehicles.

Ledbetter was placed on paid administrative leave by the city council on September 27, 2016 and information was turned over to the state ethics commission. After the ethics commission allowed the time allocated for charges to expire, the ABI picked up the case at the urging of the current city administration. Ledbetter resigned in November of 2016.

Photo from Jefferson County Jail