Prichard Code Enforcement Officer Arrested on Federal Gun Charge While Under Investigation in Reported Rape Case

PRICHARD, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A Prichard code enforcement officer is at the center of a widening criminal investigation after being arrested on a federal firearms charge while simultaneously being identified as a suspect in an ongoing rape investigation, according to newly filed federal court documents.

Federal prosecutors have charged Albert McCreary, 55, of Daphne, with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. McCreary remains incarcerated at the Mobile County Metro Jail pending his appearance in U.S. District Court.

The arrest has also raised questions about how McCreary, despite having a prior felony conviction, came to be employed by the City of Prichard. Records from the Mobile County Personnel Board show he has worked as a city code enforcement officer since September 2023.

Federal Affidavit Reveals Broader Investigation

Court records indicate McCreary’s arrest did not begin as a firearms investigation.

According to a federal affidavit, investigators were already conducting an investigation into a reported rape in Mobile County and had obtained a search warrant for McCreary’s Chevrolet Tahoe.

Before the warrant was executed, members of the Mobile County Special Operations Unit located the SUV and initiated a traffic stop after observing what authorities described as a traffic violation.

Investigators allege that during the stop, McCreary made “furtive movements” toward the vehicle’s center console, behavior officers considered suspicious.

When questioned, McCreary acknowledged that a firearm was inside the vehicle. He reportedly explained he had just returned from a shooting range where he had been training in connection with his position as a Mobile County constable, an elected office that generally does not possess traditional law enforcement authority.

Prior Felony Conviction Raises Federal Concerns

Deputies recovered a Glock Model 23, .40-caliber handgun from the vehicle.

A criminal history review revealed McCreary had previously been convicted in 2009 in Escambia County, Florida, of felony battery/domestic battery by strangulation.

Because of that conviction, federal investigators allege McCreary was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.

According to court records, McCreary told investigators he believed he could lawfully carry the weapon because his conviction had been expunged.

However, investigators contacted the Florida Office of Executive Clemency, which reportedly confirmed there was no record that McCreary’s firearm or civil rights had been restored, making the possession of the handgun a federal offense.

Questions Surround Reported Rape Investigation

The federal affidavit also sheds new light on the separate rape investigation.

According to investigators, McCreary denied having any recent contact with the woman who reported the alleged sexual assault.

However, investigators state in the affidavit that evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that denial was not truthful.

Authorities have not disclosed what evidence contradicts McCreary’s statement, nor have they announced any charges related to the reported rape.

The investigation remains active.

Employment Under Scrutiny

The case has prompted questions about McCreary’s employment with the City of Prichard.

Although personnel records confirm he has served as a code enforcement officer for nearly three years, city officials have not explained whether his criminal history was known during the hiring process.

A spokesperson for the City of Prichard referred media inquiries to the FBI and declined to answer questions regarding McCreary’s current employment status or how he was hired despite his felony conviction.

Investigation Continues

Federal prosecutors are moving forward with the firearms case while investigators continue examining the allegations surrounding the reported rape.

Whether additional criminal charges will be filed remains unknown.

BuzzReport will continue following developments in both the federal firearms prosecution and the ongoing criminal investigation as new court filings and official statements become available.

As with all criminal cases, Albert McCreary is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.