A Birmingham homeowner faces six misdemeanor charges and the man who organized a viral pool party at his Westchester Way home faces two more, according to court records filed in 48th District Court.

Alexander Simpson, 42, an attorney who also serves as an alternative hearing officer for the City of Birmingham handling fee disputes for residents, was charged with disturbing the peace, violating the city noise ordinance, creating a public nuisance, gathering of disorderly persons, violating an ordinance regulating private pool use, and breach of peace. Sources describe the last two charges using slightly different language, but court records list six separate counts. Each carries up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.

Rodney Harrington, 27, who rented Simpson's home and organized the June 13 party, faces two counts: violating the city noise ordinance and gathering of disorderly persons.

Both men were arraigned July 22. Bonds were set at $1,000 per charge. As a condition of release, neither can rent out property or host parties in Birmingham.

What happened on June 13

About 200 people attended the pool party at Simpson's home in the 300 block of Westchester Way after it was advertised on a pool-rental platform, according to Birmingham Police Department officials. Attendees paid an admission fee, and security personnel checked guests for weapons at the door.

Officers were first dispatched at 4 p.m. and returned five more times that day, taking noise-level readings at each visit, police said. At 8:30 p.m., officers shut the party down. Vehicles had blocked surrounding streets and partygoers were seen dancing on cars.

The department said in a subsequent statement that the party should have been shut down earlier and that it is reviewing its procedures.

Simpson's response

Simpson said he was not present at the party but allowed Harrington, a family friend, and Harrington's cousins to use the pool, provided they made a donation to a charity. Police and city officials have characterized the payments as admission fees, not charitable donations.

"If I am found guilty, the consequences could significantly affect both my legal and military careers," Simpson said in a statement July 23.

Simpson has not yet hired an attorney to represent him. Harrington will be assigned a court-appointed attorney, according to court records.

Simpson also said the city never contacted him directly before filing charges. He went door to door to apologize to neighbors after the event.

What's next

Both Simpson and Harrington are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing August 12, before Judge Diane D'Agostini in 48th District Court.