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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor 

ALABASTER – A former Alabaster business owner faces even more charges of theft following recent developments in the case.

Nicholas Whitfield, of Nick’s Auto Repair, now faces 12 total charges of theft in the first degree with the possibility of more to come as the case develops. Theft of property in the first degree is a class B felony and is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and $30,000 in fines each count.

Whitfield is currently in the Shelby County Jail with a bond total of $360,000 which could increase following any further potential charges. Whitfield’s hearing has been rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Whitfield was previously arrested by the Alabaster Police Department on four counts of theft after investigation was prompted by complaint’s regarding his business practices. Whitfield was booked into the Shelby County Jail on no bond on July 2.

APD Detective Charles Brewer has been in charge of the case and has been investigating for around three months. The APD currently has at least 25 cases in relation to Nick’s Auto Repair with more than $200,000 in restitution.

The business license for Nick’s Auto Repair, LLC was revoked during an Alabaster City Council meeting on Monday, July 22 after the Alabaster Police Department submitted a request for the revocation and after a public hearing. During the hearing, 10 individuals came forward and submitted stories alleging thefts committed by the business.

According to Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney at the meeting, the department has not yet found information confirming Whitfield’s background as a mechanic.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.