Exclusive Interview with District Attorney Champ Crocker: Insights on Justice in Cullman County

We had the pleasure of welcoming District Attorney Champ Crocker to the Friday Morning Show on WKUL. Champ Crocker, who took office in January 2023, shared his journey, challenges, and accomplishments in his role as Cullman County's DA. The conversation with our host, Ron Mosley Sr., covered a range of topics from high-profile cases to the importance of community safety.

Highlights from the Interview

From Private Practice to District Attorney: Champ Crocker discussed his extensive background in private practice, where he handled various types of cases including civil, criminal, and family law. This experience laid the groundwork for his role as DA, where he now tackles a myriad of legal challenges.

Pursuing Justice for Old Cases: One of Champ's priorities has been to expedite older cases that have been pending for years. He highlighted a significant murder trial from 2017, which finally saw justice served in 2024 with a guilty verdict. Champ emphasized the importance of timely trials for both victims and accused individuals.

Handling a Range of Cases: The discussion covered the variety of cases that come across the DA’s desk, including murder, robbery, and sexual abuse. Champ shared the tragic story of Thomas McClellan, convicted of murdering his wife in 2021, and his recent trial which resulted in a 99-year sentence.

Combatting Scams and Fraud: Champ also provided valuable advice on avoiding scams, particularly those targeting the elderly. He warned against falling for phone calls demanding money for missed court dates or other fabricated issues, stressing the importance of skepticism and vigilance.

Innovative Programs for Community Safety: Champ introduced listeners to the pretrial diversion program, aimed at first-time nonviolent offenders. This program provides a second chance for individuals who have made poor decisions, with strict requirements to ensure accountability and rehabilitation. Additionally, the Helping Families Initiative collaborates with public schools to address issues like truancy early, aiming to prevent crime before it happens.

Collaborating with Law Enforcement: The importance of close cooperation with the sheriff's department and other law enforcement agencies was a key point of discussion. Champ praised the efforts of law enforcement officers in maintaining community safety and stressed the value of their partnership.

Listen to the Interview Click Here

Stay tuned to WKUL for more exclusive interviews and updates on the happenings in Cullman County.