On August 1, 2026, pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Jonathan L. Prell assumed the role of Acting United States Marshal for the Northern District of Alabama.
Acting United States Marshal Prell oversees all United States Marshals Service (USMS) operations in the Northern District of Alabama, including federal judicial security, court security, fugitive investigations and apprehension, sex offender and missing child investigations, prisoner operations, asset forfeiture, and service of process.
Acting Marshal Prell began his law enforcement career in as a Military Policeman with the United States Marine Corps. In 1995, he was hired by the Homewood Police Department, Homewood, Alabama. In 2003, he joined the USMS in the Northern District of Alabama, where he has served for the last 23 years. Mr. Prell was promoted to Chief Deputy United States Marshal in 2021.
Mr. Prell holds a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University, and Master of Science from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Session #274. He is a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League and member of the American Legion. Mr. Prell has received numerous awards and decorations over his 36 years in law enforcement.