Alabama Police Officer Charged with Exploiting Elderly Person

Decatur officer arrested on theft and financial exploitation charges after citizen complaint

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A Decatur, Alabama police officer has been arrested and placed on administrative leave after being charged with first-degree theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person. The charges stem from a citizen complaint filed in December, which prompted an independent investigation by the Morgan County District Attorney's Office.

Why it matters

The arrest of a police officer on charges of exploiting a vulnerable elderly person raises concerns about abuse of power and public trust in law enforcement, especially given the department's recent history of scrutiny over its treatment of the public.

The details

Decatur Police Officer Elijah Cole, a 4-year veteran of the department, was arrested on Monday following an independent investigation that yielded evidence and probable cause for the charges. The department placed Cole on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

  • The citizen complaint was filed in December 2025.
  • The arrest occurred on March 10, 2026.

The players

Elijah Cole

A 4-year veteran police officer with the Decatur Police Department who was arrested on charges of first-degree theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person.

Torry Mack

The new police chief of the Decatur Police Department, who took over for former Chief Todd Pinion after an independent review found issues with the department's treatment of the public and lack of communication.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant bail for Officer Cole at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures for law enforcement, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable members of the community from potential abuse of power.