Former West Blocton Police Chief, Cop Arrested For Sexual Assault

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Two Bibb County men, including a former police chief and a reserve officer for the West Blocton Police Department, have been arrested and charged with sexual assault for an incident dating back to January.

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The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said in a press release Wednesday morning that the victim reported that two men she was acquaintances with had sexually assaulted her while she was under the influence of alcohol and unable to consent.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the multi-agency unit, then said the case was investigated and presented to the grand jury, which returned indictments.

Craig Baird Arnold, 49, was arrested Tuesday and charged with Rape 1st Degree, before his bond was set at $60,000. As of the publication of this story, he remains in jail.

As Kennedy pointed out, Arnold was at one time an uncertified reserve officer with the West Blocton Police Department. In March of 2016, he was charged with unrelated sexual offenses in Bibb County, the investigation into which is ongoing.

Also arrested was Brain Keith Whatley, 50, who was charged with Sexual Abuse - 1st Degree. He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail, but was released after his bond was set at $5,000 bond.

Kennedy explained that Whatley was at one time in the past the police chief of West Blocton, but currently has no role or position in law enforcement.

What's more, he said neither man charged is currently employed in law enforcement, and any position or role they may have once held was not a factor in this sexual assault.

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