Pickens County Police Arrest Serial Offender for Kidnapping

Police in Pickens County have arrested a man with a long criminal history after he allegedly kidnapped a woman there earlier this week.

In a post on Facebook, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office said they received a report on Monday of a woman being held against her will on Liberty Road.

She reportedly had tried to leave a residence there on several occasions over the course of a few days but was stopped by Billy Joe Vail, who threatened to kill her, her family and any police who got involved if she left.

Fortunately, deputies arrived on the scene and arrested Vail without anyone being hurt.

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In their post, PCSO said Vail was released from prison in 2024 after having served a little over a quarter of a 20-year sentence. Police report he was even wearing an ankle monitor when they responded to the kidnapping call.

Vail has been arrested again, and District Attorney Andy Hamlin said he will work to ensure the repeat offender does not threaten West Alabama again soon.

"Today, our office was notified of the arrest of Billy Joe Vail, who was previously sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping and domestic violence, but was released after serving only 4 years. Vail has now been arrested for assaulting another woman," Hamlin said. "This individual has a lengthy criminal history spanning two decades, including multiple drug offenses, theft, child abuse, weapons charges, and repeated domestic violence incidents. Despite numerous chances at rehabilitation and multiple suspended sentences, Vail has consistently reoffended.

"My office will work diligently to ensure both the Pardons and Parole Board and the Department of Corrections understand the severity of this pattern of behavior. We will advocate strongly for the reinstatement of his original sentence IN FULL, plus additional time for these new charges," Hamlin wrote in a Facebook post. "Public safety is my top priority. When violent offenders repeatedly demonstrate they cannot abide by the law, they forfeit their privilege to remain in our community. We will do everything in our power to extend his stay behind bars and keep our communities."

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