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FBI warns of a rise in AI-related scams in Alabama

Birmingham – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most remarkable and most dangerous technological inventions in history. It accelerates data analysis, automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks and is always available. At the same time, it can displace jobs, is expensive, is not always correct, and can be used for fraud and scams. The latter has the FBI on alert.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies urge us all to remain aware that eEveryone is a potential target, especially senior citizens, and even the tech-savvy young and professionals. The FBI says that Alabama has seen an explosion of AI fraud recently. Data security and personal privacy alerts are high as scams are rising with the increasing use of AI by criminals.

The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of nearly $21 billion, with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-related complaints among the costliest. AI scammers are even making use of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to ask for personal information in fraudulent investigations.

Clay County man facing federal charges stemming from a 2024 incident

Clay County – Stemming stem from an incident that happened on September 5, 2024, a Clay County man faces federal charges for carjacking, attempted kidnapping, and several other crimes.

Stevie Earl Harris was arraigned in federal court and a five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges him with attempted kidnapping, carjacking, using/carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, explosive materials – transport by non-licensee, and explosive materials – transport with intent to injure.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples said that the charges against Harris threatened the safety of an innocent victim and others nearby. Working on the case were the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Lineville Police Department, the Ashland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The Sylacauga Community Playhouse will present a variety show extravaganza this weekend

Sylacauga – The Sylacauga Community Playhouse has scheduled two variety show performances for this coming weekend to showcase the incredible local talent. It’s set for Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th, with showtime at 6:30 p.m. both nights.

First Baptist Church in Sylacauga will come alive with music, dancing, laughter, and plenty of other unforgettable entertainment. The show is titled, “Bringing Our Stage Back to Life!” Tickets are $10 and are available on their website: scplayhouse.com

Four resolutions address ambulance and garbage services in Childersburg

Read the accounts of the meating &/or watch the meeting video below:

Childersburg – The Childersburg Council opened their Tuesday, July 21st meeting with four Resolutions relating to ambulance and garbage collection services.

Resolution 2026-18 approves an agreement with Ambulance Medical Billing (AMB) to administer billing services for the city ambulance service. Resolution 2026-19 approves an agreement with Credit Bureau Systems, Inc. for ambulance collection services. Both authorize Mayor Ken Wesson or his designee to execute necessary documents.

Resolution 2026-20 approved an extension agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast to provide sanitation services for waste collection and disposal for the city. Resolution 2026-21 approves an agreement with Childersburg Water and Gas Board to provide administrative and billing services related to GFL waste collection. Both authorize Mayor Ken Wesson or his designee to execute necessary documents. The rate will be $26.04 per month for one container and $7 for an additional container.

A one-year subscription for Forinet Premium to provide IT-Firewall service. The cost is $585.23, paid from Fund 8-Alabama Trust.

Approval was given to advertise with Radio Alabama with campaigns highlighting Childersburg community, events, and sports, in the amount of $2,820, paid from Fund 23-LRA.

Payment of invoices in the amount of $240,478.42 was approved.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 6:00 p.m., preceded by a 5:30 work session.

TCSO has issued a B.O.L.O. relating to a 7/17 incident at Walco Handi-Mart

Sylacauga – The Talladega County Sheriff’s Department has issued a “Be On the Lookout Order” (B.O.L.O.) to identify someone who may have information concerning a felony incident under investigation from Friday, July 17th at Walco Handi-Mart in Sylacauga.

The department is looking to the public to identify the person in the accompanying photograph, in relation to their felony investigation. Anyone with information is asked to please contact Talladega County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Division at (256) 761-2141. An anonymous tip can also be left at www.talladegasheriff.org or Crime Stoppers.

Could an investigative excavation near Lincoln be linked to a Pell City missing person case from 1992?

Lincoln – A major, ongoing police excavation is currently taking place on Wolf Pond Road in Talladega County, between Lincoln and Pell City. The site is an open field and contains no standing structures.

The excavation project is being led by the Pell City Police Department following a tip they say is linked to an open case. Also working the scene are the FBI, the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, the Lincoln Police Department, and the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Center for Applied Forensics.

Law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped about exactly what they are looking for, but have confirmed it is an “open investigation.” The extended excavation and use of forensics teams have led to rampant local speculation that it may be tied to a cold case, such as the 1992 disappearance of Felicia Cochran in Pell City.

Suspicious activity an Ashland motel a false bomb scare and arrest of a local man

Ashland – An investigation into suspicious activity at an Ashland motel lead authorities to believe there were explosives on site. There were not, but a local man was arrested on multiple criminal offenses.

Joseph Blancher was arrested at the Country Inn Motel, where the Clay County Sheriff’s Office found materials they believed to be explosives. The building was evacuated and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Bomb Squad was called in to investigate.

After a thorough investigation, the bomb squad determined that the materials posed no danger to the public, they did find illegal drugs, paraphernalia, a working still, and untaxed illegal alcohol, for which Blancher was charged.

The Ashland Police Department and the Lineville Police Department assisted with this investigation.

A man has been arrested in connection to last week’s Springville bank robbery

Springville – A person has been arrested in connection to a bank robbery last week in Springville, when officials said a man wearing a motorcycle helmet walked into a PNC Bank in the early afternoon hours of Monday, July 13, and placed a handgun on the counter before demanding money from the cash drawer.

After he allegedly received an undetermined amount of money, the man left the scene on a motorcycle. Local authorities reached out to the public for witnesses to help identify the suspect.

According to the Springville Police Department, 50-year-old Kristopher Michael Tribble of Pinson was arrested on Saturday, July 18th and charged with Robbery 1st Degree. Authorities say that items that collected from the suspects residence are the same items seen in videos and pictures during the bank robbery itself.

Springville Police Chief Jason Mize said that flock cameras helped in the investigation, also adding thanks the public for submitting tips to authorities.

Three Sylacauga area high school seniors complete economic and community development training at Huntingdon College

Montgomery – Rising high school seniors, Abba Crumpton of Fayetteville High School, Allaster Hay of B.B. Comer High School, and Hayden Hubbard of Sylacauga High School, were three of twenty-three high school students representing seventeen Alabama Chambers of Commerce to attend the seventh Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program. Abba, Allaster, and Hayden represented the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce.

The three-day, two-night event was hosted by Huntingdon College in partnership with the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The annual program introduces students to the importance of economic and community development across Alabama on a state and local level.

To receive first-hand experience in economic and community development, the students were divided into teams and assigned a city in Alabama to represent. The students were tasked with assuming public office identities and using their knowledge of their hometown to vie for a corporation to make their headquarters in the city. After completing assignments in the project, including creating a town highlight tour, the teams gave their final pitch to President Leigh and guests. The winning team was highlighted in a groundbreaking ceremony and ribbon cutting ceremony after the final presentations on Friday.

Huntingdon College President Anthony Leigh shared high praise for the students stating, “Each year, this program brings together some of the most promising young leaders from high schools across Alabama, and this year’s cohort is no exception. These students are motivated, thoughtful, community-minded, and eager to make a positive impact. They represent the very best of their schools and hometowns, and it is clear that their local Chambers of Commerce recognized outstanding potential in each of them. Their creativity, curiosity, leadership, and genuine commitment to service set them apart. As ambassadors for their communities and as emerging leaders for our state, these students remind us that Alabama’s future is in capable and inspiring hands.”

Don’t miss the Community Block Party at Childersburg First Methodist

Childersburg – You’re all invited to join Childersburg First Methodist for a fun-filled day with the community on Saturday, July 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 603 4th St SW, Childersburg, AL 35044.

There will be Food trucks, vendors, a waterslide, a car show, fun games & more for a FREE event that’s open to everyone. So bring your family and friends and come enjoy a day of fun.