Former Foley Magistrate Arrested on Felony Charge Involving Minor

OBA Staff • August 26, 2025

Police are asking the public to share any information they may have about the case.

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department has arrested a Foley resident on a major felony charge after a new investigation. Detectives reported that Joseph Fredrick Bischoff, 78, was taken into custody on August 21 at about 7:45 p.m. Investigators accuse Bischoff of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. The police described this charge as a Class A felony in Alabama. The arrest follows a period of evidence collection and interviews by the Foley Police Department.

Joseph Fredrick Bischoff, who is also a former Foley magistrate judge, has faced legal trouble in the past. In September 2011, Bischoff was previously arrested on similar charges relating to providing controlled substances to minors during his time as a city official. However, publicly available records do not confirm whether Bischoff was convicted of this earlier crime.

Police have stated that they will not release any more information about the victims for now. They explained that keeping details of the investigation private helps protect everyone involved. Officers are still working to gather more evidence and speak to possible witnesses as the case continues.

Foley law enforcement officials ask community members to help with their investigation. Anyone who has helpful information is encouraged to call the Foley Police Department at 251-952-4010 or email tips@foleypolice.org. Police say that any tips will be appreciated as they continue to work on this active case.

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