BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — In the wake of the entire Hanceville Police Department being placed on leave following criminal indictments against its chief and several of his officers, a case regarding its former assistant chief and the evidence room at the center of the controversy is still working its way through court.

Adam Hadder, former assistant police chief of Hanceville, resigned from the department on April 10, 2024, citing retirement as the factor, The Cullman Times reported. However, by Aug. 30, Hadder had filed a lawsuit against Mayor Jimmy Sawyer and the city, citing that he was forced to resign or be fired due to alleged issues that Sawyer had with him.

According to the lawsuit, Hadder was in a meeting with City Clerk Tania Wilcox on April 8, during which Wilcox began saying “certain things that were incorrect,” of which Hadder said he tried to correct. This subsequently resulted in an argument between the two.

“On the following day, Mayor Sawyer called Plaintiff back to his office and Tania was also present,” the complaint stated. “Mayor Sawyer told Plaintiff he needed to resign.”

Hadder, who had worked for the department for 10 years and was reportedly in charge of the upkeep of the department’s evidence room, claimed the reason for this request Sawyer gave was “tensions” with Wilcox.

By April 10, Hadder alleged that Sawyer again asked him to resign, but he refused.

“In substance, the Mayor told Plaintiff that he had only one choice and that was to retire or resign,” the lawsuit stated.

Assured that he could use his remaining sick leave and vacation time and officially retire by November, Hadder agreed to retire, pending that the evidence room undergo an inventory. However, Hadder claimed that Sawyer forced him to leave immediately, not giving enough time for an inventory to be done.

Hadder’s lawsuit remains as Chief Jason Marlin, four of his officers and one of their wives were recently indicted on a slough of charges involving drugs, corruption, and tampering with evidence. At the heart of the indictment is how the department’s evidence room was reportedly not secure, being a target for stealing drugs and contraband.

In fact, Hadder’s lawsuit was filed days after former dispatcher Chris Willingham, who died from a drug overdose at the department. There are still unanswered questions in Hanceville after Police Chief Jason Marlin was indicted along with four officers and the spouse of an officer on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including tampering with evidence.

In January, the city asked for Hadder’s complaint to be dismissed. The case is still pending in court.