ACTION 8 UPDATE: New details on arrest of former Elmore County coroner candidate

WETUMPKA, Ala. (WAKA) – Action 8 News has new details regarding the arrest of former Elmore County coroner candidate Lamar Neighbors.

Neighbors was arrested on Thursday, June 25, on a charge of aggravated theft by deception. As a result, he dropped out of the coroner’s race where he had been the Republican nominee.

Court records obtained by Action 8 News show that between January 2017 and May 2026, Neighbors was accused of stealing more than $250,000 from the Red Hill Volunteer Fire Department by writing checks to himself and making ATM withdrawals. Neighbors served as the secretary/treasurer of the department at the time.

The Red Hill Volunteer Fire Department released this statement about the arrest:

“The Red Hill Volunteer Fire Department recently became aware of concerns involving the mishandling of department funds by a member of the department. Upon discovery, the department leadership immediately initiated an internal review and notified the appropriate authorities to ensure the matter is handled thoroughly and in accordance with all applicable laws and policies. Additionally, this member was immediately terminated from the department.

“Most importantly, emergency response services to our community have not been interrupted. Because this matter remains under active investigation, we are unable to provide additional details at this time. Any additional questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office.”

With Neighbors out of the coroner’s race, the Alabama Republican Party has told Action 8 News that the Elmore County Republican Party will begin collecting applicants starting next week and interviewing potential candidates. The county party has to decide on a nominee by August 24 to get that person’s name on the November ballot.

There is not a Democratic candidate for that office.