Former Prattville officers arrested on burglary, conspiracy charges

PRATTVILLE, AL (WSFA) - Two former Prattville Police Officers were arrested over the weekend for their involvement in a home burglary.

Former Prattville lieutenants, John McDaniel and Leon "Todd" Townson are in the Autauga Metro Jail on charges of second degree burglary, possession of burglar's instruments, conspiracy to commit first degree burglary and conspiracy to commit first degree robbery.

A neighbor spotted flashlights behind a vacant home Sunday night and called 911. When patrol officers responded they caught the suspects in action.

"An individual escaped and he was not captured immediately, one was apprehended on the scene," Captain Jeff Hassell explained. "The house had been broken into and at least one individual was in possession of property from that house."

Hassell explained McDaniel was arrested at the scene, but Townson fled on foot. A handgun was recovered near the home.

Hassell says the duo were planning another burglary, using the vacant house as a staging location for the stolen items.

The conspiracy charges stem from the premeditated crime the suspects were going to commit.

McDaniel won't be leaving the Autauga Metro Jail. He was out on bond for a 2013 case complete with a six-count indictment involving extortion, impersonating a police officer and possession of a controlled substance. McDaniel's bond for this case was revoked by Judge Ben Fuller Monday.

Townson's bond is set for $125,000.

The Attorney General's Office is prosecuting this case.

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