Cottonwood Rescue closes due to possible criminal investigation | WDHN

COTTONWOOD, Alabama (WDHN) – Cottonwood Rescue will close its doors at the end of the week after a state auditor’s report found a large sum of money missing from the department.

Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe confirmed to WDHN that the ambulance service will close at 4 p.m. Friday after the county’s Emergency Medical Technicians Association cut off its funding. The county withdrew funding after a state audit found the department was over $150,000 short.

Ashford and Rehoboth ambulance services will provide care to the Cottonwood area. Pitcher ambulance services will continue to serve as a backup.

“This may be permanent, but we hope it is only a matter of time before a new group of volunteers starts a new service,” said Chairman Shoupe.

The financial statement released on June 28 initially stated that Cottonwood Rescue was missing more than $800,000. However, after receiving further documents from the force, it was concluded that only $155,000 was missing.

Following the release of the report, Cottonwood Rescue President Rickey Stokes told WDHN in an exclusive interview that no illegal activity had occurred and that the $155,000 would soon be settled.

“I stand firm. I did not accept any money,” Stokes said.

According to Shoupe, the report was sent to the Alabama Attorney General’s office, and it is now up to that office and the Houston County District Attorney’s Office to launch an investigation or file charges.

Stay tuned to WDHN for updates.