By STEPHEN DAWKINS / The Clanton Advertiser

A Clanton city worker who had a Shelby address has been arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse against a minor.

Cedric Arnaz Parker, 36, of Shelby, was arrested by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation on Jan. 4 at the city shop.

Parker, 36, worked as a mechanic for the city for about 15 years, Mayor Billy Joe Driver said, but has been suspended without pay, “pending the outcome of the case.”

If Parker is found innocent of the charges, Driver said he would be owed back wages.

Parker made bond the day after his arrest in the amount of $60,000—$30,000 on each of the two charges.

Parker also served as a reserve sheriff’s deputy for a time, Sheriff Kevin Davis said.

Davis said Parker volunteered in that role since before Davis took office, in 2006, until 2011.

Davis said Parker left the department before allegations of sexual misconduct arose, in late 2011.

Still, Davis requested ABI take the lead in investigating the case.

“That’s just the fair thing to do,” he said. “You want an unbiased opinion in the investigation. You don’t investigate [people associated with your department].”

ABI declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Davis said the reported allegations stretch back over a time period of at least several years. He said he is not aware if any of the allegations are related to Parker’s work as a reserve deputy or as an employee of the city of Clanton.