JCSO NEWS

On Wednesday September 4, 2019 at approximately 4:30pm plainclothes deputies in an unmarked Sheriff's vehicle were shot at near Arlington Avenue and 32nd Street in Bessemer.  The deputies were working a special detail when a vehicle passed them and came to a stop. ...

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Detectives have charged 42 year old Khriston Leon Smith with 3 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old. Smith was arrested on August 27, 2019. An investigation began earlier this month after the victims disclosed what had occurred to trusted adults. Sheriff’s Detectives found evidence indicating that there were 3 victims of this crime. The offenses occurred over a 2 year period of time in the eastern Jefferson County area. Khriston Leon Smith is being held on bonds totaling $300,000.00.

  The Vice and Narcotics unit of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has arrested a major Drug Trafficker in the Birmingham area.  After a 2 year investigation, investigators have arrested 34 year old Rolando Antwain Williamson for Drug Trafficking. ...

On August 25, 2019 Sheriff’s deputies arrested 44-year-old Michelle Lee Light for Chemical Endangerment of a Child resulting in Death. 19-month old Journey Dorman was left in the care of his grandmother Michelle Lee Light in the Sylvan Springs neighborhood in western Jefferson County. During that time Michelle Light allowed the child to have access to and ingest a controlled substance. The toxicity of that substance caused the death of the child on July 21, 2018. When the child was clearly ill Michelle Light never informed medical personnel that it was possible that the child had ingested this substance. Journey Dorman suffered a tragic death due to the recklessness of the person who was supposed to protect him from danger. After a yearlong investigation Detectives obtained a warrant against Michelle Lee Light for Chemical Endangerment of a child Resulting in Death. Ms. Light is being held on a $500,000.00 bond.

Deputies have been looking for Ms. Light since July 10, 2019.

Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office provides equal opportunities for advancement and promotion of women; We’re Celebrating Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26

Birmingham, Alabama (Aug. 26) — Women’s Equality Day is the celebration of the certification of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote in 1920. The day also is a day that signifies women’s continued fight for equality in the workplace. When Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway was sworn into office, part of his platform was to ensure that there were opportunities in place for the advancement of women. Sheriff Pettway has assigned Captain Felicia Rucker-Sumerlin to head our School Resource Division. Sheriff Pettway stated that he identified Capt. Rucker-Sumerlin as a leader and put her into a position where her leadership skills would thrive. He also has assigned other women to leadership positions in his office. Sheriff Pettway has also assigned Ms. Charlene Cannon to supervise the Office of Pistol Permits.
“We actively recruit women to join the Sheriff’s office and we consider them equal to their male counterparts,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway. “Women can do the same jobs as men and I we have put into place opportunities for promotion and advancement.”
Sgt. Kim Grant and Deputy Tealla Shepard represent two examples in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office of how a career in law enforcement can be a rewarding career for women.
Sgt. Kim Grant has been with the Sheriff’s office for 26 years. She works in community relations and supervises the Sex Offender’s unit. “We’ve made a lot of strides in law enforcement,” said Sgt. Grant. “I have a very relatable approach to how I handle a mother or father who may have to face that their child is a victim of sexual assault.” She also loves the positive impact she has on the community. For her, she has had a very rewarding career and loves law enforcement. “We’re out here protecting and serving and I work tirelessly to protect families and children who live in our county.”
Deputy Tealla Shepard joined the Sheriff’s office in May of 2018 after graduating from Miles College. Being new to the force, she has a different perspective of law enforcement and hopes to move up the ladder as she gets more experience. She is currently working at the Jefferson County Jail and has had to learn how to communicate with people in a variety of situations.
“I love meeting new people and learning from the veterans on the force,” said Deputy Tealla Shepard. “I am here to learn how to deal with all kinds of situations and how to communicate with many different types of people. I like that I get to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Hats off to all of the women of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.