Birmingham, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Amber Nicole Pettway, a 33-year-old former employee of the City of Birmingham, was arrested for unauthorized access to the city’s computer system. Reportedly, the incident occurred on March 1, highlighting serious cybersecurity concerns within city government. Pettway was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and later released on a $15,000 bond. The case raises questions about the security of sensitive information in public systems as municipalities face growing threats from cyber-related crimes.
Former Birmingham Employee Arrested for Unauthorized Access of City’s Computer System
Birmingham – Amber Nicole Pettway, a 33-year-old former employee of the City of Birmingham, has been arrested and charged with felony computer tampering. The allegations against her include unauthorized access to the city’s computer system, specifically its internal electronic mail accounts, which reportedly occurred on March 1.
Court records related to Pettway’s case were made public on Thursday, revealing that she allegedly exceeded her authority in accessing the city’s electronic resources. The criminal act was purportedly intended to either gain a benefit or to defraud or harm another party. Details regarding the specifics of what she accessed or the intended benefit were not disclosed.
According to a spokesperson for the city, Pettway is no longer employed with the City of Birmingham. Prior to her termination, she held the position of network systems administrator, as indicated by her LinkedIn profile.
Pettway was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 4:43 p.m. on Wednesday. Following her arrest, she was released from jail several hours later after posting a bond set at $15,000. As of the latest court records, there is no attorney listed to represent Pettway in this case.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding cybersecurity and the management of sensitive information within city government systems. Unauthorized access incidents have raised alarms in various sectors, particularly with an increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication and records management within public offices.
Context and Implications
This case underscores the increasing vigilance needed in protecting government digital resources from unauthorized access. As instances of cyber-related crimes rise, municipalities are urged to adopt stringent security measures and ongoing training for employees to safeguard sensitive data against improper use.
The Grid Cybersecurity Report cites that unauthorized access remains one of the most significant threats to government cybersecurity, with many incidents resulting in severe repercussions. In the face of evolving technology and persistent threats, it becomes essential for public institutions to enforce robust cybersecurity policies and to ensure employees understand and comply with system access regulations.
The ramifications of such access can be far-reaching, not only affecting the immediate parties involved but also potentially compromising the integrity of the entire public system. As this situation unfolds, further developments are expected in the prosecution of Pettway and in the city’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity protocols.
FAQ
- Who was arrested in Birmingham? Amber Nicole Pettway, a 33-year-old former City of Birmingham employee.
- What are the charges against Amber Nicole Pettway? She is charged with felony computer tampering.
- When did the alleged unauthorized access occur? The unauthorized access occurred on March 1.
- What position did Pettway hold with the city? She was a network systems administrator with the City of Birmingham.
- What was the bond amount set for Pettway? Pettway was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
- Is there an attorney representing Pettway? As of now, court records do not list an attorney to represent Pettway in the case.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Arrested | Amber Nicole Pettway |
| Age | 33 |
| Charge | Felony Computer Tampering |
| Incident Date | March 1 |
| Employment Status | No longer employed by City of Birmingham |
| Booking Time | 4:43 p.m. on Wednesday |
| Bond Amount | $15,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Employee Arrested for Unauthorized Access
- Wikipedia: Cybersecurity
- ABC3340: Birmingham Native Signals Spanish Helicopter
- Google Search: Cybersecurity Cases
- WBRC: Man Accused of Illegal Use of Criminal Database
- Google Scholar: Government Cybersecurity
- ABC3340: Alabama Opposes Motion to Dismiss Indictment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Computer Security
- ABC3340: Alabama Theatre’s Holiday Film Series
- Google News: Cybersecurity in Government
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
