Federal judge rules former Vestavia Hills police officer charged with child sex crimes a flight risk

Posted by Val Walton -- Birmingham News September 16, 2008 11:53 AM

Categories: Breaking News A former Alabama police officer who fled to Washington state to avoid prosecution on federal charges he possessed child pornography and took a 9-year-old girl across state lines for sex will remain in jail Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Greene said he found Ronald Whitworth, 35, a flight risk and a danger to the community and denied him bond during a detention hearing at Birmingham's federal courthouse. Whitworth, a former Vestavia Hills and Anniston police officer, was captured Aug. 18 in Lynwood, Wash. In April, Shelby County investigators arrested Whitworth on charges of child endangerment, sexual abuse of a child under 12, rape and sodomy. He made bond after six days in jail. A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Whitworth, who left the state before federal agents could arrest him on the charges. His truck was found July 31 at the Birmingham International Airport containing guns and a note that law enforcement would not find him. His attorney, citing Whitworth's safety while in jail because he is a former officer facing child abuse charges, suggested conditions could be made to allow Whitworth to be released on bond. The judge said he believed Whitworth's safety could be maintained in jail.