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Former Flomaton Police Chief, Officer Arrested
October 30, 2012
A former Flomaton, Ala., police chief and an officer have been arrested on multiple charges.
Daniel Brookes Thompson, former chief, and Joseph Chris Neal were arrested following an investigation by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
Thompson was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, three counts of second degree theft of property, tampering with physical evidence and an ethics violation. He remained in the Escambia County (Ala.) Detention Center Tuesday morning with bond set at $50,000.
Neal was charged with third degree burglary, tampering with physical evidence, obstructing governmental operations and an ethics violations. He was booked and released on a $30,000 bond.
Thompson was promoted to police chief in March 2012 after the arrest of then chief Geoffery McGraw on a kidnapping charge in Florida. Thompson resigned in August for “personal reasons” after the ABI, Alabama’s top law enforcement agency, announced he was under criminal investigation.
McGraw later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery in connection with an arrest made across state lines in Century.
Pictured top: Former Flomaton police chief Daniel Thompson (left) and officer Chris Neal (right). NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
68 Responses to “Former Flomaton Police Chief, Officer Arrested”
They need officer’s. Not crooks
I know Chris and he is not a bad guy. He is funny, and smart. I worked with Chris at Austal ship yard and he was a hard worker. You can tell by the way his attitude is, is that he is a family man. Every body makes mistakes and has to pay for the mistakes but think about there families and chrismas. Would you like to be taken away from your family?
I have work with Chris he is a very good man and a law abiding citizen,and is a very good cop he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time I will stand behind him 100 percent no matter what happens
The ABI can’t make arrests merely on suspicion. They HAVE to have some kind of evidence against these guys to have made an arrest. So to those of you who are screaming that they are innocent, maybe YOU should wait until a court of law has made it’s verdict.
“it’s not my place to judge them in any way.If you know them then you know they’re good guys”
Even a judgment of GOOD is a judgment.
Please just shut that police department down and let the county and state provide a police presence. Nothing but an embarrassment anymore.
Do you think everything you read is true..read my words again its not my place to judge them in any way.If you know them then you know their good guys.The point was people think this is funny,they have familys and just because your arrested dont mean your guilty.People forget they are HUMAN. They also forget all the good but eat the bad up.The man behind the uniform.Daniel has a big heart and would be the first to help someone in trouble.I wrote a comment to say thank you.It wasnt a joke.Example only…you see a cop,but do you see the man who has lived here his whole life,and wants to take the task of weeding out the bad and making things safe for his,yours,my family.Hes someone brother,son,next door neighbor….People dont wear signs that say;Hey iam a bad person who hurts people.Their are men and women who take that job keeping this town safe.RESPECT what happen to that….Their are good and bad people every where you go…..you know stealing will get you to hell but lying will too…no sin is greater than the other….
REGARDING:
“Have you ever wondered to yourself why people only want to read bad stuff but yet love the movies where the good guys win……..Daniel and Chris are good guys”
People like to read many things but as long as bad stuff is uncommon, it is interesting. it’s also cautionary: don’t do wrong or you might get in trouble.
People like for the good guys to win because it gives the illusion of justice in this world.
If they are good guys, then they did not do what they are accused of doing and all will be well in the future. If they DID do what they are accused of doing, then your definition of “good guys” might not square with the more common definition used by the folks who cheer the good guys in the movies. Me not know.
David for good guys
REGARDING:
“I’ve always heard that using caps means you are shouting.”
Of course he was shouting/ he had been insulted and verbally attacked, smeared with the same brush of criminal activity as others without proof.
(my REGARDING on the other hand is simply an introductory word, showing that what follows is a quote of what someone else said, not me, the quotes limit that which is quoted and that my comments are spurred by the statement in quotes)
David thinking sometimes you gotta shout
Have you ever wonder to yourself why people only want to read bad stuff but yet love the movies where the good guys win……..Daniel and Chris are good guys…..I will be cheering in the end….and would like to say THANK YOU to all the police officers,sheriffs dept,state troopers who risk their lives to keep us safe everyday….It is a thank less job sometimes and puts stress on you and your familys..I have many friends who protect and serve the people of Esc. county..Would it hurt people instead of gossip just say thank you and let it go…
To: THE FACTS
I’ve always heard that using caps means you are shouting.
@ the facts. You hard work and dedication for your job is very appreciated. And that you even go several steps farther and that your participate in coaching youth sports so our children have a coach is also admired. And I totally agree that a LEO’s family pays a huge price for you to have this job. But it is always easy, not saying it is right, seeing all the corruption in the departments to group all into one unit. And I would dare say most people who are casting stones have had run in’s with LEO… But thanks again for your service and to all of the great LEO’s that we have in our area.
** JUST SAYING**
BEFORE YOU MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT ANOTHER ( DTF ATMORE) YOU WOULDN’T LAST A WEEK IN OUR SHOES. I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN UP FOR DAYS TO HELP SOLVE A HOMICIDE. A GET TO SEE MY FAMILY A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. I COACH LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL. I GIVE FREE NARCOTICS CLASSES TO VARIOUS GROUPS. GIVE 100 PERCENT EVERYDAY I WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY, THEY PAY MY SALARY. ON TOP OF THAT I MAY GET OFF AT 1 AM AND BACK TO WORK AT 4 AM. MY DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN TO ABI OR ANYONE ELSE THAT WOULD LIKE TO TALK ( MAYBE YOU ) BUT WITH THAT SAID, I WORK TO MAKE OUR TOWN A BETTER PLACE, TO MAKE KIDS SEE THAT THERE IS MORE TO LIFE AND THAT THEY DO HAVE A CHANCE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO BETTER YOU TOWN OR THE CHILDREN IN IT —- JUST SAYING —.
I think they whole police department needs to be investigated..I have worked with both of them and just don’t see chris doing this….ya’lls family is in my thought and prayers!!!!!
Thank goodness for checks and balances and elected officials with enough integrity to enforce them. Let the system work.
429SCJ ….well said.
It is definately deeper than these two arrests. There is a lot of truth to what everyone has said. Everyone knows about the problems. Other cops talk about the problems that we have all read about. I don’t think anyone doubts Thompsons charges. However, I too find it interesting that these arrests were made a top priority and WELL publicized only a day after a murderer escaped from the county jail in what was obviously an inside job. The bottom line is that Escambia County has some serious problems and has had them for years. It is obvious that the majority of the people in the county want it that way because they continue to re-elect the people involved.
Just as law enforcement officers can become involed in drugs, dealing and other crimes thus becomming crimminals, I have seen people who were involved in drug dealing and other crimes change and become law enforcement officers.
The cop and the crimminal are two sides of the same coin, it is the decisions they make and the actions that they take, that determine which side of that coin they stand. It is all about choices.
To Angel Gorum:
Your comment is the most honest one that I’ve read. You did not try and say he is innocent. (Even though he might be.)
Everyone wants to Judge these two men, but if you stood one day in the shoes of a police officer see how you would feel. If it was you or a family member that was on trial I wonder if you would post the things you have about these two men. I have worked with them both and they are both great people and I consider them part of my family. Thank goodness God doesn’t judge us the way the public does. When God died on the cross for our sins they spit on him, called him names, nailed him to a cross and he still said “Forgive them father for they know not what they do.” Why is it so easy for us not to forgive. Praying for you Chris and Daniel and remember God has a perfect plan and he went through much more than we ever have or will have to. God forgives all sins.
A friend stands by you thu ups and downs.A few months ago my friend was held as a hero.Today it seems he is judged for having a problem.Name me one family that drugs has not effected at some point in time.No one has the right to judge anyone.He is human,we all are people..He made a mistake but who hasnt.Police officers are not bullet proof and have the same problems as you or I..The badge is a part of the job and by the way….they dont make much money for putting their lives in danger.It all can be said by this EVERY ONE WANTS YOU WHEN THEY NEED YOU…The people of this town went to sleep a many of nites and they protected you…My friend is a good guy who always tried his best to help people.He has a family(KIDS) so remember that………SO WHO WANTS TO BE THE FIRST ONE TO CLIMB UP ON THEIR PETALSTOOL AND YELL IAM PERFECT…..your not !!!!!!….im not!!!!!!!hes not.
These officers are 2 of the most upstanding gentleman I have ever met in my life. I am proud that I get to these 2 friends of mine. They went above and beyond for me. My suggestion is unless you used to work at FLOMATON POLICE DEPARTMENT or if you know these 2 officers personally. You would have different thoughts! Don’t judge him and don’t say anything about the Mayor. I have seen this stuff first hand in front of my own eyes and I knew what was going on there. So unless you saw it for yourself DON’T SAY ANYTHING! Thompson & Neal you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you both!
WOOHOO you are right about the Alabama Department of Investigation as Brewton is only fourteen of fifthteen miles down the road from Flomaton. They may have to look in another county to find a Chief. Has anybody heard if the Governor has weighed in on all this? I hope this thing does not wind up in federal court as I would rather drive to Brewton than Mobile to watch the trials.
WOW! Is this really Alabama? Sounds more like it may be Salem, Mass. A real witchhunt! Remember, these guys have families and small children are involved! Brookes! I love and support you completely, Son.
These two men and the Flomaton Police Department do not need your negative writeups or your words of judgement, they need your prayers. Do the right thing, Flomaton, and pray for these two guys, their families, and the officers who try to keep Flomaton safe. They are the ones who care enough to put on the uniform and do the job, be thankful for them!!
The Mayor did have a choice in the matter. The Mayor put Thompson in a position that he was not able to handle and the Mayor should have been able to see it. The Mayor knew Thompson and wanted to have someone that would be a yes man to him. You can’t have friendship in dealing with hiring and firing. Mr. Thompson was too young for that high of position but then you don’t go and hire someone to replace with that is over the hill. You need to be able to give foot chase if you have too.
>>self-rightousness of the DAs office and sheriff’s dept
You are wrong. The investigation was by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation — the state of Alabama. Not the local sheriff’s office. They are just providing the accomadations at the jail
Tambo you are so on the money. I heard from a friend upstate that some of these people had better be getting their ducks and tax records in order. It will be interesting to see how deep this cancer goes and how far it has spread. I would imagine some people are thinking about plea bragains with the state prosecuter and some are thinking about going over the hill. The audits and investigations will be sweeping and indept. The problem with these people with political ambitions especially the wealthy ones is they start to think of themselves as Viceroyals and Governers lords of their own realm.
WOW!!! Is this some kind of Halloween prank as in ‘witchhunt’? I pray none of you are on the jury because you have already found them guilty! Glory to God they will have their day in court and I pray that the truth will be uncovered and that the deception and self-rightousness of the DAs office and sheriff’s dept will be exposed! Yes you ARE making a name for yourself, but in the end it will be MUD!!
I think State Trooper Ben Roe should be the Chief. He’s a good honest family man and the kids at FHS look up to him….there’s a lot to be said for that!!!
To the PERFECT citizens of Flomaton,
Kool-aid in high doses can be harmful to you sense of rationalization. With that being said all the comments about Mayor Bondurant are just out right nuts. Mayor Dewey Bondurant has no relevance to this story. Do you all really think that all of the Officers or Chiefs went in front of the Mayor and COUNCIL and said “Mayor, Council During my term as an Officer or Chief my plan is to get arrested or create negative media for the Town of Flomaton. I aim to leave this town in a wave of disappointment.” You people in your comments are implying just that with the comments of hate toward Mayor Bondurant. I am sure that the above mentioned people put on their best and said all the right things during interviews. I know Mayor Bondurant personally and he has a good heart. He helped me and many other people on numerous occasions when he didn’t have to and expected nothing in return. Does things like this go on at Bondurant Lumber? I have seen the same faces in there for years. So to say that Mayor Bondurant is to blame for all of these situations is preposterous. If it is Mayor Bondurant’s fault then why is nothing like this happening at his business. So to all the people on the Kool-aid why not look at the facts instead of bashing someone because that’s what everyone else is doing. This has been a Public Service Announcement…..
This is going to go deeper than ya think!!!watch what im saying!! When it goes on like this! I lived up north for a while in a small town!!it was not over until we had no police dept!im not saying i want that here!but that seems to be the norm for small towns!!!they seem to alaways Go to the head!!!
IT IS SO SAD WE LIVE IN A TIME THAT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TURN TO DRUGS OR SUICIDE TO ESCAPE THE PROBLEMS OF THIS WORLD. I PRAY THAT THESE YOUNG MEN CAN GO THROUGH THIS TRIAL AND COME OUT BETTER ON THE OTHER SIDE. GOD LOVES THEM AND HAS A PLAN FOR THEIR LIVES. I JUST PRAY THAT THEY WILL SEEK HIM AND FIND OUT WHAT THAT WILL IS.
AS FOR MAYOR BONDURANT, HE IS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE ACTIONS OF PEOPLE NO MORE THAN YOU OR I CAN. GIVE HIM SOME SLACK!
melo on October 30th, 2012 7:15 pm FIRE THE MAYOR!!
YES-YES-YES!!!!!
Wow. What a joke. Thank God this guy isn’t the police chief anymore. Talk about someone who would be crooked. Flomaton needs to do away with their “Police Department” and just let the county or state handle it. I can’t even drive through Flomaton after dark without being harassed. Lets get some upstanding folks in there that know how to serve and protect.
Well at least we can count on the Alabama State Troopers to clean up the mess. Thank you to the Troopers in the ABI division who investigated this. As always, I am sure you did an outstanding job. For many years it has seemed like the Troopers are the only law enforcement we have had in Escambia County that we can rely on to do what is right every time.
Didn’t have these problems with Chief Jenkins..The mayor had a problem with him. I wonder why? Now look at the last 2 replacements SMH!
For all the so called citizens that are bashing the officers if u think u can do a better job in”FOMATON” go u tail to schoo and show us u can do a better job.l
Melo, I agree with your post.
I really think its about time the ABI starts getting rid of these crooks with badges!!
Maybe they will start next in Atmore and with the DTF in atmore they are not what they are made out to be either!!
What happened to random drug test and background checks ??
To David Green
I wonder how likely it is that the Alabama Bureau of Investigation just made the whole thing up.
With all of the other things the ABI has to work on why would they frame two local boys just to make the Town of Flomaton look worse?
if you cant trust a cop nowadays, who do you trust? and, officers, how does it feel being on the other side of the law?? lol
FIRE THE MAYOR!!
@BJM Adolph Hitler loved little German children but that does not mean he was not a monster. They will have their day in court and we will hear the truth. I plan to be there for the judgement in Brewton.
I wonder how likely it is that the Alabama Bureau of Investigation just made the whole thing up.
yes, he was bailed him out. maybe you all think his bail was low but his family are not wealthy people. yes, something seems a little fishy to me too. how can a person be charged with possession when your were never searched or arrested with anything on your person or anywhere? can someone tell me that?
I need to speak up! I know these officers personally! They helped me && so many other people in so many ways. I don’t believe they did this! You shouldn’t judge these 2 officers based off of what you hear or read. Until they are found guilty you should keep an open mind. I will be praying for both of these awesome officers and their families. Karma did not come back on these officers I know them and they do not deserve this. They deserve your thoughts and prayers and you to keep an open mind!
This does not surprise me at all. @ 429SCJ I was sitting here wondering the same thing. Bail is low to me.. but hey, what do I know??
These two officers were good cops just made bad choices if they actually did what was alleged…..the only difference between a cop and a criminal is one bad judgement call. Please don’t judge them until they have been found guilty. If it was you,you wouldn’t want people downing you! Keep your head up guys praying for the best for yall and.your families
Karma…how does it feel NOW
This is a really bad situation for the Town of Flomaton, but this type of thing can happen anywhere.. There are a lot of fine folks in Flomaton, and many of them are friends of mine.. I hope they get through this OK..
Now we know why he resigned so suddenly. So sad. No one posting his bail…hmmmmmmmmmm
ONLY IN FLOMATON!!!!!!!!!!
J…your change would have came with a new mayor, but mayor bondurant is obviously what the town of flomaton and citizens wanted…
Does Flomaton have anyone that can be on their Police force that’s not in to criminal activity? This is getting really ridiculous.
You people act shocked abou t this. This doesnt just happen in flomaton. This type of stuff happens everywhere. And you cant possibly believe that it doesnt. The worst part about it, is that these two are only a percentage of it. They just got caught & now they have to roll with the punches. our WHOLE government is srewed up.
I have known these two for years and I dont beilive they did this at all they were great officers
I feel the need to speak up for these two families. I feel as though they deserve the same rights as those they have arrested in the past and should not be ran through the mud because of there “status” in society! Please remember these two men have families and there is ALWAYS two sides to every story!
What happened to innocent until PROVEN guilty in a court of law, not until you assume guilt on every person charged…I’m just saying, let’s prove them guilty before we condemn huh?
God help these two men and their families. I am earnestly praying for all of them. I pray that God will have mercy.
I wonder if that with former Chief Neal under indictment, if the charges will be dropped against those jokers from Atlanta, remember that $46K bust that Neal made a couple of months ago? I would imagine his testimony is not worth much these days.
Yes Flomaton has had a bad record with previous officers, but do not judge every officer at Flomaton based on these two. They made their choices and will be judged in this life as well as the next. Flomaton has moved forward and has a great new chief and officers! This is what’s wrong with small towns, one cop messés up n automatically they’re all crooked.
sounds like some folks still tryin to stir the pot. these two have been charged with criminal offenses. looks to me like the system is working. the town has moved on.
i say get rid of the police department all together…….flomaton pd is a magnet for douche bags……all these crooks that are coming and going are making our town look awful.
Wow!! Think it is about time to disolve the PD??? Flomaton police dept. is fast becoming the laughing stock of the state!! It would be hillarious if not for the city spending people’s tax money on these clowns!!
Good job you punks!
This Seems Really Fishy.?
Wow this just makes the town looks a whole lot worse!! THEY NEED A CHANGE!!