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An officer with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency who was facing misconduct charges has died from an apparent suicide.

Special Agent Senior Scotty Ballard, 51, of Andalusia was assigned to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation Vice and Special Operations, Narcotics Unit. ALEA officials said they were notified of Ballard’s death on Wednesday, August 24.

Ballard was facing a Class A misdemeanor charge of sexual misconduct in Geneva County and a second degree assault charge in Covington County.

In 2020, a Covington County Grand Jury handed down an indictment against Ballard for second degree assault when he allegedly struck a pedestrian on Highway 55.

While out on bond, Ballard was accused of misconduct. According to Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock, the victim of the alleged misconduct filed a report, after which a third party warrant was issued. Ballard reportedly turned himself in and was released on bond.

“On behalf of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, I would like to personally extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to SAS Ballard’s family, friends, and those within our own agency, as well as officers throughout the law enforcement community who knew him well,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.

With over 26 years of law enforcement service, Ballard began his career with the Andalusia Police Department and ultimately joined state law enforcement in 2004 as a Special Agent with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, until ABC’s enforcement division was transferred to ALEA under consolidation in 2015.

“This incredibly difficult loss reminds us that we need to lift each other up, especially in the most challenging times. Please keep SAS Ballard’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers, as their lives are forever changed,” Taylor said.