A former Prattville police officer has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including impersonating a peace officer. According to the Alabama Attorney General's office, the indictment issued Wednesday names 46-year-old John Wayne McDaniel Jr. He is charged with theft, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, extortion and claiming to be a Prattville police lieutenant. Authorities said McDaniel resigned from the police force in 2013. The AG's office said McDaniel was originally arrested on the charges in 2013 and was released on bond.
Lawmakers React
Legislators have been meeting in preparation for next week's special session. Governor Robert Bentley called the session for lawmakers to take another stab at passing a General Fund budget with new sources of revenue. Significant proposals by the governor include moving revenue from the use tax into the General Fund, increasing the cigarette tax and eliminating the state income tax deduction for Social Security taxes paid. Republican Representative Paul Beckman of Prattville says eliminating the FICA deduction could go a long way to solving the budget crisis. Beckman says gaps still exist between senators and representatives on which proposals to support, but progress is being made. The special session reconvenes Monday afternoon.
Perry Hill Crossing
Several new businesses are planning to open near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and Perry Hill Road in Montgomery. The area will be home to the new Perry Hill Crossing. It will feature restaurants and retail shops Wharf Seafood, Shane's Rib Shack and Sol Restaurante Mexicano and Taqueria. The old Head Elementary School property where the shopping center will be located, was purchased four years ago by the McClinton Commercial Real Estate company.