Cherokee County Jury Finds Piedmont Man Guilty of Aggravated Stalking

Photo from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office of Kenric Byrum Russell, 50 of Piedmont.

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | September 24, 2025

CENTRE, Ala. — A Cherokee County jury has found a Piedmont man guilty of aggravated stalking following a trial this week.

District Attorney Summer Summerford announced that Kenric Byrum Russell, 50, was convicted on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, of Aggravated Stalking, Second Degree.

The case stemmed from repeated harassment that, according to prosecutors, caused significant harm to the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. Evidence presented in court showed that Russell ignored warnings to stop contacting the victim and continued to harass her even after a court order explicitly prohibited him from doing so.

Aggravated Stalking, Second Degree is classified as a Class C felony in Alabama, carrying a possible sentence of one year and one day to 10 years in prison. Russell’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2025, before Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell.

District Attorney Summerford commended both the victim and law enforcement for their roles in securing the conviction.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the victim in this case, and the hard work of law enforcement,” Summerford said. “Hopefully, the victim can now move forward with her life without fear.”

The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tori Ingle alongside Summerford.