(MONTGOMERY)— Attorney General Troy King today announced the arrests of one former and one current Winston County deputy on multiple charges, including vehicular assault, driving under the influence, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Nathan Preston, 27, a former deputy, and Deputy William Harvey Wickwire, 33, each surrendered last night at the Winston County Jail and were released on $25,000 bond.

Attorney General King’s Office presented evidence to a Winston County grand jury on May 20 resulting in the indictments*.  Former Deputy Preston is charged with one count of first-degree assault by causing serious injury to a person while he was driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Preston also is charged with three counts of third-degree assault, one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a child.  Deputy Wickwire is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child.

No further information about the investigation or about the defendants’ alleged crimes may be released at this time.

“Any time law enforcement officers are accused of criminal behavior, it is particularly disturbing to the people of Alabama and to the brave and honorable men and women in law enforcement who have dedicated themselves to uphold the laws for our protection,” said Attorney General King.   

If convicted, Preston faces a penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $30,000 for the class B felony offense of vehicular assault; up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000 for each charged of third-degree assault; up to 90 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500 for reckless driving; and up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,200 for driving under the influence. For the charges of contributing to the delinquency of a child, Preston and Wickwire each face up to one year in the county jail and a fine of up to $500.

Attorney General King commended Assistant Attorney General Josh Bearden of his Violent Crimes Division, who is prosecuting the case, and thanked the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the Winston County Sheriff’s Office and the Hayleyville Police Department for their cooperative investigation in this matter.

 

*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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