ABI Takes Over Nodine Investigation

News 5 has learned that the Mobile County Sheriff's Office has turned over their case involving Commissioner Steve Nodine to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.

Last week, a small amount of marijuana was found in Nodine's county-issued vehicle after he brought it in for maintenance at a county garage.

Sheriff Sam Cochran said today that he turned over the case to quote "prevent any perception of political bias."
Nodine denies that the marijuana is his and is cooperating with investigators.

Full statement:
Statement from Sheriff Sam Cochran

“While I have the utmost confidence in our investigators to conduct a professional investigation into the complaint filed with deputies last week, I have asked Colonel Chris Murphy of the Alabama Department of Public Safety to take over the investigation out of an abundance of caution to prevent any perception of political bias.

It is very important to the reputation of this office that the investigation and its outcome are free from any speculation of political influence and that the facts are presented openly so that this matter can be put to rest as quickly as possible.

At this time the MCSO has relinquished its jurisdiction over the case and is in the process of turning over all evidence to ABI Investigators.”