North Courtland police officer arrested for domestic violence

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Alabama (WHNT) – A North Courtland police officer was arrested Wednesday on domestic violence charges, authorities said.

According to Lawrence County Jail records, Mark Anthony Whalen was arrested by Moulton police around 9:31 a.m. Wednesday.

A Moulton Police spokesperson told News 19 that Whalen is charged with third-degree domestic violence – harassment.

North Courtland Police Chief Spencer Butler confirmed that Whalen only worked part-time for the police department, but after his arrest was announced, he was placed on unpaid leave until his arrest was completed.

Franklin County Jail records show Whalen was admitted to the facility at 10:30 a.m.

Sergeant Kyle Palmer of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Whalen was being held in Lawrence County, but could not confirm the original charges.

The Moulton police spokesman said the circumstances surrounding Whalen’s arrest were still under investigation.