Case Dismissed Against TPD Supervisor Charged With Felony Domestic Violence

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A felony domestic violence case against a Tuscaloosa Police Department supervisor has been dismissed after the alleged victim told a judge she did not wish to pursue the charge.

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As Patch previously reported, Captain Hart, who was the commander of TPD's Criminal Investigation Division at the time of his arrest, was charged with domestic violence-strangulation in October and was immediately placed on administrative leave.

TPD's Criminal Investigation Division is tasked with investigating all domestic violence cases.

The charge against Hart was prompted by accusations that he assaulted his girlfriend during an argument at a residence on Easton Drive in Tuscaloosa during the early morning hours of Oct. 12.

According to an order filed Nov. 21 in Tuscaloosa County District Court, a preliminary hearing was held that saw the alleged victim appear with limited-scope counsel — Tuscaloosa attorney Gar Blume — while Assistant District Attorney Nicole Franks represented the state.

Tuscaloosa defense attorney Mary Turner represented Hart.

Judge M. Bradley Almond questioned the plaintiff on her willingness to proceed with the case, to which she responded that she did not wish to move forward with prosecution.

Because the state could not proceed without the alleged victim’s cooperation, Franks made a motion to dismiss the case.

Judge Almond granted the request, dismissing the matter “for want of prosecution.”

TPD confirmed that Hart remains on administrative leave as of the publication of this story.

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