FBI

Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in Alabama and prompt investigations

The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in several states, including Alabama. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording.

FBI Records Could Have Solved A Civil Rights Cold Case. Now It’s Too Late

The murder of the Rev. James Reeb was unsolved for more than 50 years. Now, Alabama officials who might have pursued prosecution tell NPR that if the FBI had shared its case file with them, they would have investigated Reeb's murder years earlier.

Can Cooperation Combat Crime? Birmingham-Area Agencies Teaming up on Problem

Despite the city’s rising homicide rate and a recent rash of highly publicized violent crimes, Birmingham-area law enforcement officials say they are optimistic about the city’s long-term crime-fighting prospects, due in part to an array of government agencies working together.

Sex Trafficking in Alabama: The Crime & the Fight Against It

By conservative estimates, human trafficking in the U.S. is a growing industry worth tens of billions of dollars a year. Birmingham is not immune. In fact, it’s a regional hub. But efforts to fight it here are growing too.

JeffCo Schools Personnel Director Faces Federal Child-Porn Charges

The legal picture for Jefferson County Schools’ jailed human resources director has become even darker. Brett William Kirkham already faces charges that include having sex with a student. Now he faces federal child-pornography charges too. Joyce White Vance, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, today announced the indictment against Kirkham, a longtime area […]