A former Leighton police officer charged with indecent exposure turned himself over to authorities Tuesday afternoon.
Michael Trent Fowler, 1944 Franklin 25, Vina, turned himself in at the Colbert County Sheriff's Office just before 4:30 p.m. after a warrant was issued for him, according to Sheriff Ronnie May. The charge is a misdemeanor.
The sheriff said Fowler was released on a $50 bond.
Authorities said Fowler is accused of exposing himself to a female officer at the police station during a shift change in late March.
Fowler, 33, who had been with the department for two months, was terminated March 31, according to Police Chief Ray Hayse.
Hayse said he was notified of the allegations March 26.
"As soon as the complaint was brought to my attention, I immediately conducted an internal investigation with the assistance of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation," Hayse said. "Following the investigation, (Fowler) was terminated. We felt it was in the best interest of the city to end his employment with our department."
The chief said the termination was upheld by the City Council on Monday.
Fowler claims he was set up by Hayse and denies the allegation. He did not provide details of how he was set up.
"The charges are fraudulent, and my accuser is attempting to discredit me and save her employment," Fowler said. "I have never been in trouble. I have never been so wrongfully accused nor have I ever been so emotionally distraught by anything in my whole life. These false allegations have ruined my job and my career."
Kyle Brown, Colbert County chief assistant district attorney, said a warrant was issued for Fowler's arrest after the complaint was made by the officer.
"We looked into the allegations and deemed there was probable cause to file the charges," Brown said.
Fowler lives in Vina. May said his department contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to execute the warrant.
"Right after we had talked with Franklin County, (Fowler) walked in and turned himself in," May said.
Hayse said Fowler came to Leighton after serving as an officer with the Memphis Police Department and UAB Public Safety Department.
"This was a very serious allegation, and we took it seriously and acted accordingly," he said.
"This type of behavior is unacceptable and is not going to be tolerated in our department."
Indecent exposure is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine if convicted.
WTF was he thinking especially at the Police Station
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