Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail pleaded guilty to 15 counts of using city employees and inmates to private work for him while they were on duty and in custody.

The mayor, first elected to the position in 2008, entered his plea Tuesday morning in Cullman County to use of office for personal gain. As part of his plea, Nail had to resign his position and issue a public apology.

Hanceville is a city of about 3,200 people between Birmingham and Huntsville.

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced the multi-count indictment against Nail last month.

The crimes happened between Sept. 30, 2019, and Sept. 29, 2023, records state.

The indictment stated that Nail, over that four-year period, routinely used city employees and city jail inmates to do work for him at his home and for his private benefit.

Nail routinely solicited former Police Chief Bob Long to perform work at Nail’s home while the chief was on duty. Records state he had another employee, Joshua Howell, drive to Georgia in a city vehicle while on duty to perform work on a trailer owned by Nail and his wife.

Nail also used three former jail inmates to do work at his home while they were in custody.

“Today, I am pleading guilty to fifteen misdemeanor ethics violations,’’ Nail wrote in the apology, which is part of the court record. “I am truly sorry for the harm and inconvenience brought about by this.”

“I never wanted to bring any negativity to Hanceville,’’ he wrote. “I love Hanceville and the people of Hanceville.”

“I would never do anything to intentionally harm the city,’’ Nail wrote. “Again, I am truly sorry.”

Crocker said Nail was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution, a $2,500 fine, perform 120 hours of community service and will be on probation for 15 years which prohibits working for any public or governmental entity during probation.

“The trust between the people and their government must remain strong. Mr. Nail pleaded guilty, admitted to his misconduct, and also apologized to the citizens of Hanceville for his actions,’’ Crocker said.

“I believe this swift resolution is balanced and shows both consideration for admitting guilt and that elected officials who violate the public trust will be held accountable.”