Assistant District Attorney Bios

Paula Whitley  Chief Assistant District Attorney

Paula was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Tuscaloosa, where she graduated from Central High School (Class of 1985).  She received a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1989 and her J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1992.  Paula enjoys traveling, running, and gardening. Paula is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa.

Beth Byrne Crutchfield  Circuit Court/Child Support

Beth was born in Tuscaloosa and raised in Brewton, Alabama, where she graduated from T.R. Miller High School.  She graduated cum laude from Troy University with a Bachelor’s Degree from Troy University in 1994.  She received her J.D. from The University of Alabama in 1999.

Paige W. Elliott  Director–Child Support Unit

Paige is from Winfield, Alabama and graduated from Winfield City High School.  She received her B.A. in Political Science from The University of Alabama in 1992; and, received her J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1995. Paige has two children, one enrolled in the Tuscaloosa County School System and one in college studying Nursing.  Paige is active in the Church of the Highlands; and, volunteers for No Greater Love Rescue and Alabama Society for Prevention and Cruelty to Animals (ALSPCA).

John Halcomb  Grand Jury

John was born in Birmingham and raised in Bessemer & Hoover.  He graduated from W.A. Berry High School in Hoover in 1993. He received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of Alabama in 1999 and his J.D. from The Birmingham School of Law in 2002.   John and his wife, Suzanne, have two children.  John enjoys watching Alabama football and basketball, playing tennis, saltwater fishing, and cooking anything you can throw on an open flame.

Shannon D. Lynch  Juvenile Court

Shannon was born in Paducah Kentucky and raised in Daphne, Alabama.  She graduated from Fairhope High School. She received a B.A. in Political Science in 2001 from The University of Alabama in Huntsville; and, her J.D. at the University of Alabama School of Law in 2004.  Shannon is active in local theater and enjoys community service and volunteer work in Tuscaloosa. Her favorite service includes The Animal Shelter, Habitat for Humanity and working with the elderly.

Thomas Marshall  Circuit Court

Thomas was born in Moultrie, Georgia. He graduated from Colquitt County High School in 2011. He received his B.S. in Wildlife Management & Ecology from Auburn University in 2015 and his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law in 2020. Thomas and his wife Maddie have one son and a Boykin Spaniel named Flint. Thomas enjoys fishing in ponds, lakes, creeks or wherever he can possibly throw a lure. He also enjoys hiking, hunting, being outside with his family, watching Auburn football and attempting to hit a golf ball.

Kymberly Porter  Circuit Court

Kymberly was born in Mobile, Alabama, where she graduated from John L. LeFlore High School. She earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Alabama in 2014. Kymberly later received her J.D. and Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution from Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2020.  Kymberly enjoys crime novels, Harry Potter, video games, anime, and all things nerd.

Ashley A. Ross  Circuit Court

Ashley was born in Bastrop, Louisiana and grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where she graduated from Buena High School.  She received her B.S. (summa cum laude) in Marketing with dual minors in Economics & Communications from the University of Alabama.  She received her J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2019. While there, she was awarded the Order of the Samaritan, which is the highest public service award bestowed by the U.A. School of Law. In her free time Ashley enjoys going on walks and exploring new places with her dog Sandy as well as skiing and snowboarding with her family.

Corey G. Seale Circuit Court

Corey is from Demopolis, Alabama, where she graduated from Demopolis High School.  She was a double major at the University of Alabama where she received a B.S. Degree in both Business Marketing and Human Environmental Sciences in 2012.  She received her J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2016.  Corey is married to Joey Seale and enjoys reading and travelling.  Corey currently serves on the Board of Directors of Caring Days and is a member of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa.  Corey and her husband attend The Church of the Highlands.

Judson T. Sills District Court

Judson was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he graduated from Edward H. White High School. He earned a B.S. in Political Science from Jacksonville University and his Paralegal Certificate from the University of Florida. He received his J.D. from The Birmingham School of Law.  While there, he was awarded the Golden Gavel, which is given annually to the most outstanding advocate of the American Association for Justice Mock Trial Team.  Judson enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, bowling, collecting baseball cards, and cheering for the Florida Gators and Atlanta Braves.

Maegan Smalley  District Court

Maegan is a Tuscaloosa native–born and raised. She attended Paul W. Bryant High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Alabama. After completing her undergraduate degree, Maegan went on to pursue her Juris Doctorate at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Today, Maegan is happily married to Kraigen Smalley and has a young daughter. In her free time, Maegan enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, and working out.  She is also an active member of Unity Baptist Church and their outreach ministries.  Maegan is excited to be helping the community that has given so much to her.

Alex Thompson  Circuit Court

Alex was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Citronelle, Alabama, where she graduated from Citronelle High School. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2018, and her J.D. from Faulkner University in 2023. In her free time, Alex enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.