Chief Justice Sarah H. Stewart has appointed retired Circuit Judge Allen T. Jolley as a visiting judge to oversee the State of Alabama v. William Chase Johnson case in Macon County Circuit Court. This appointment is made under the Speedy Trial Act, which was enacted by the Alabama Legislature last year.
William Chase Johnson faces charges of capital murder in connection with the November 2019 shooting death of Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams at a gas station in Hayneville.
The request for a visiting judge came from Attorney General Steve Marshall’s Office to ensure that the case proceeds without delay after the previous judge withdrew. The Speedy Trial Act allows the chief justice to assign sitting or retired judges to violent criminal cases upon request from either the attorney general or a district attorney, aiming to reduce court backlogs.
Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 307 into law in May 2025, providing authority for such judicial appointments and seeking to expedite court proceedings for victims.
In her order, Chief Justice Stewart wrote: “the interests of the public require the expeditious resolution of this case to prevent undue delay and ensure the prompt administration of justice.”
Judge Jolley will have full access to the case file, and all attorneys involved have been notified about his appointment by direction of the Macon County Circuit Clerk.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office acts as the state’s chief law enforcement agency within the executive branch, representing Alabama in legal matters and collaborating with law enforcement on issues like crime reduction and victim support. The office works across all counties and focuses on initiatives such as reducing violent crime and supporting victims statewide.