Walker County Sheriff Shuts Down Facebook Pages Amid Backlash

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith has made the decision to deactivate both his personal and the sheriff’s office Facebook pages, citing the overwhelming negativity and hostility that social media often breeds.

In a statement released via the sheriff’s office mobile app, Smith explained his reasoning. “Hate is so easy nowadays,” he wrote. “With the ability to hide behind a screen or a fake profile, it’s too easy a temptation to avoid. But a hateful world isn’t one I want to operate in.”

This move comes in the wake of federal charges against two Walker County deputies, Carl Carpenter and Matt Handley, who are accused of mistreating inmate Tony Mitchell upon his arrival at the county jail. The case has drawn national attention, fueling public outrage and scrutiny of the sheriff’s office.

The Case of Tony Mitchell: A Tragic Death in Custody

Tony Mitchell, 33, was arrested on January 12, 2023, after a mental health welfare check at his home turned into a confrontation. Authorities allege that Mitchell fired a gun while deputies were on his property, prompting his arrest.

After two weeks in custody, Mitchell died at Walker Baptist Medical Center on January 26, 2023. His death certificate listed the cause as homicide due to hypothermia and sepsis, attributed to injuries sustained while incarcerated and a lack of medical care.

Court records document disturbing allegations of abuse. Federal prosecutors claim that deputies Carpenter and Handley kicked and shoved Mitchell when he first arrived at the jail. Over the past seven months, a dozen jail employees, including correctional officers and contract nurses, have faced criminal charges in connection with the case. Several have already pleaded guilty, while others have indicated their intention to do so.

Carpenter and Handley have been charged with deprivation of rights, with Handley also facing allegations of lying to a grand jury to conceal the mistreatment. Their arraignment was initially scheduled for March 13, but Carpenter’s attorney requested a delay, citing his client’s recent admission to a VA hospital’s psychiatric ward due to an acute mental breakdown. The court has not yet publicly announced a new arraignment date.

Sheriff Smith’s Response: Moving Away from Social Media

Sheriff Smith, who is seeking re-election for a third term, acknowledged the intense criticism his department has faced. He originally saw social media as a tool for transparency and public engagement but now believes it has become a breeding ground for negativity.

“Our Facebook page isn’t necessary,” Smith stated. “We aren’t required to maintain one, and once the purpose of our page was lost, it was time to let it go.”

From now on, the sheriff’s office will use its mobile app to communicate important updates to the public. Smith has also removed inmate mugshots from the app, stating that they were being misused to mock individuals rather than serve as informational resources.

“It’s unfortunate that some people use those pictures to generate views on their page and allow others to ridicule the way some inmates look,” he explained. “While it may fall under free speech, it’s hateful, and we won’t be part of it.”

A Shift in Perspective

Reflecting on the challenges of law enforcement and the criticism his office has faced, Smith emphasized the importance of humility and understanding.

“If I’ve learned anything recently, it’s humility,” he said. “It’s important to see things from other people’s perspectives—whether they’re inmates, police officers, or even those who dislike us. Love is better than hate, support is better than judgment, and prayer is the only way to navigate it all.”

While the Walker County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to serving and protecting the community, its approach to public communication will no longer involve Facebook.