Former Walker Co. deputy enters pretrial diversion agreement, agrees to surrender APOSTC certification

JASPER, Ala. (WBRC) — A former Walker County Sheriff’s deputy accused of using excessive force during the arrest of a man, and lying to a grand jury about the circumstances of that arrest, has entered into a pretrial diversion agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, according to court records.

James “Matt” Handley was indicted on deprivation of rights and witness tampering in Feb. 2025.

Handley and Carl Carpenter, who was indicted at the same time and has since pleaded guilty, were responsible for transporting Tony Mitchell to the Walker County Jail following his arrest in Jan. 2023.

Under the pretrial diversion agreement, Handley’s prosecution is deferred for 12 months beginning Jan. 28, 2026. If he complies with all conditions, the indictment will be dismissed with prejudice.

If he violates the terms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may revoke the agreement and resume prosecution.

As part of the agreement, Handley had to immediately surrender his Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) law enforcement certification, and agree “never seek to hold a position in a law enforcement agency (local, state, or federal) other than an unsworn position serving as a courthouse security officer.”

Other conditions include:

• He must not violate any federal, state, or local law.
• He must not travel outside the United States.
• He must reside within the Northern District of Alabama unless his supervising probation officer approves a transfer.
• He must not possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon, except with prior permission from his supervising probation officer for employment purposes.
• He must not use or unlawfully possess a controlled substance.
• He must comply with all directives from his supervising U.S. Probation Officer.

Handley and Carpenter are charged in connection to Mitchell’s arrest.

Mitchell died after two weeks in the Walker County Jail. Two dozen former jailers and medical staffers have been charged in connection to Mitchell’s death.

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