Ex-Anniston Police Officer Arrested

COLUMBIANA, Ala. (AP) - A former Anniston police officer is in jail in Shelby County without bond on charges including rape, sexual abuse and child endangerment.

Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Burchfield said Ronald Loyd Whitworth Jr. was arrested May 4, following reports of sexual abuse, and also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Anniston Police Chief John Dryden said Whitworth worked for the police several years ago, before leaving for a job near Birmingham.

Whitworth failed to appear in court on Aug. 19 and was later arrested in Washington.

Birmingham Attorney Brett Bloomston, who is representing Whitworth, had no comment Thursday.