DOTHAN: These court cases are scheduled in the 20th Judicial Circuit in Houston and Henry County Alabama: Note: Juveniles don’t have Public Record Judge Lori Collier Ingram and Judge Henry “D” Butch Binford Handle all Juvenile Cases. Note: Domestic Violence is not always Abuse Cases. They have cases like Petition for Custody and Petition to Modify. HOUSTON COUNTY: HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT-CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE BENJAMIN LEWIS: Each morning has initial appearances. These are people who have not made a bond. They are required to be seen by a Judge or Magistrate within 48 to 72 hours “of their arrest”. Judge Lewis follows the law even when on holiday he or another Judge comes to the Houston County Jail for initial appearances. These Persons are seen via a TV screen from the jail to the courtroom. HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY DISTRICT-CRIMINAL JUDGE BENJAMIN: Has Small Claims with 1 case for Account Collection. In District-Civil he has 4 cases for Unlawful Detainer. He also has Domestic Relations with 10 cases for Protection from Abuse X 9, Elder Abuse Prot Ord. In District-Criminal he has 22 cases ranging from Possess Marijuana 2 nd , Theft of Property 1 st , Elderly Abuse, Burglary 3 rd and Trafficking-Meth. HONORABLE HOUSTON COUNTY CIRCUIT-CRIMINAL JUDGE KEVIN MOULTON: Has District-Criminal with 14 cases ranging from Possess Marihuana 1 st , Attempt to Elude, Theft of Property 3 rd , Fraud Use/Credit Deb and Break/Enter Vehicle. He also has Circuit-Criminal with 49 cases for Break/Enter Vehicle, Theft of Property 1 st , Possess /Receipt Cont, Porn Intent to Disse and Porn Possess Material Minors. HENRY COUNTY: HONORABLE HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT-CIVIL JUDGE M JOHN STEENSLAND III: Had Circuit-Civil with 1 case for Workman’s Comp.
ABBEVILLE – HEADLAND – NEWVILLE – HALEBURG – HENRY COUNTY: This past Sunday afternoon friends and family joined Henry County Probate Judge/Commission Chairman David Money for a retirement celebration.
The retirement celebration was held at Abbeville’s First Methodist Church.
Henry County District Court Judge Derek Peterson opened up the retirement celebration with some remarks, introduction of special speaker and prayer.
The special speaker, Houston County Probate Judge Patrick Davenport spoke of his working relationship with Probate Judge David Money. The two worked together over the years in the performance of their jobs as Probate Judge. As described by Judge Davenport, Judge Money, a man of integrity, worked hard to improve the services provided by the Probate Judge’s Office. Not just in recording of documents, sales of tags, boat tags and driver license, but in the difficult navigation of mental committments. Judge Davenport described Judge Money as one other Probate Judge’s listened to when he spoke and respected his opinion and thoughts.
Next was Chris Champion. Serving as Henry County Engineer and Chief Operations Officer, Chris Champion spoke that David Money was hard working. But more importantly as a man who cared for people. Champion spoke about Judge Money as one who would stop what he was doing and listen intently to what you had to say, especially if it was a personal problem. Champion said he learned a lot from working with Judge Money. Chris Champion also gave the tremendous mileage of roads re-syrfaced under the leadership of David Money.
Next was Sonny Brasfield, Executive Director, Association of County Commissioner’s for the State of Alabama. Brasfield described his first meeting with David Money when he became Chairman of the Henry County Commission. Brasfield, the top of the Montgomery system known for getting things done, said that David Money is one you stop and listen to. A man always willing to work together as a team. A man who influenced Brasfield’s life in very positive ways. A man who wanted to serve the citizens of Henry County and the State of Alabama and make a difference in people’s lives.
Judge/Chairman David Money served as President of the Alabama Association of County Commissioners during difficult times. And navigated the waters of unprecidented obstacles which faced everyone during the pandemic.
Sonny Brasfield thanked Judge/Chairman’s wife and family for loaning David Money to the people of Henry County. That it takes a lot of time and energy, a lot of family time, to serve in the roles of Probate Judge and Chairman of the County Commission.
Judge/Chairman Money introduced his wife and family. Judge Money’s wife baked deserts, cakes and pies for the County Commission Meetings. There was a number under a chair and a number was drawn and the deserts were given away at each commission meeting. People might not have stayed for the meeting, but they surely stayed for the chance of one of Mrs. Money’s fine deserts.
RICKEY’S REMARKS
In the news business there are issues that at times gets you crossed with officials. And over the years there were some issues. Not personal, but issues that rise.
David Money was always open to discussion. He was always honest and truthful. And dealt with the issues directly.
David Money moved Henry County forward. In rolling fleet of the Sheriff Department, working for better vehicles and equipment. David Money worked to improve the voting precints across Henry County, from portable buildings to places to better serve the voters.
David Money worked with the Herndon Family for the building downtown which now houses the Henry County Probate Office. One that is organized and stream lines the citizens access to the purchases of car tags, boat tags, business licenses and other business in the Probate Office.
As one who has been around Henry County since Sheriff Welcher served as Sheriff- forward, David Money has worked each and every day to improve Henry County and the service to the citizens and guests of Henry County.
Judge/Chairman … you can be proud of what you have accomplished for the people you have served. Well done though faithful servant!
The Alabama Legislature will convene on January 14, 2025.
Recently the Alabama Association of County Commissioners met to discuss the legislative agenda for the Associaiton of County Commissioners in 2025. The Alabama Association of County Commissioners are led by Sonny Brasfield, Executive Director who is one of the most powerful people in Alabama politics in Montgomery.
“Every year, this Conference serves as our final opportunity to gather together as an Alabama County Family and decide our collective stance on a myriad of pressing policy issues,” said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA Executive Director. “It is this collective discussion that allows us to speak with ONE Voice on the many issues and decisions that arise in Montgomery but that impact the operation of county government back home.”
For 2025, Alabama counties have outlined a series of legislative priorities designed to address critical operational and policy challenges:
Insurance Program for Alabamians: Advocate for an insurance program leveraging federal funding while safeguarding Alabama’s state budget from undue financial strain.
Board of Registrars Reform: Propose amendments to ensure county registrar appointments reflect local racial demographics, enhance accountability, and establish minimum qualifications for appointments.
Candidate Statement Deadlines: Establish a single, standardized deadline for candidates affiliated with political parties to submit their economic interest statements.
Sales and Use Tax Exemptions: Formalize a process enabling county commissions to opt into sales and use tax exemptions on an annual basis.
Expanded Mutual Aid: Broaden the scope of county-to-county mutual aid agreements to include support for non-disaster emergencies and large-scale events.
Enhanced 911 Services: Empower emergency communication districts to streamline the coordination of public safety answering points, improving the efficiency of 911 services.
Equitable 911 Fund Distribution: Revise the distribution framework for unclaimed funds in the State 911 Cost Recovery account to ensure equitable support for 911 operations statewide.
State Crime for Glock Switch Possession: Advocate for the establishment of a state crime penalizing the possession of a Glock switch.
Retirement Benefits for Correctional Officers: Correctional officers who meet specific training requirements can qualify for first responder credit in the Employees’ Retirement System.
Additionally, conference attendees unanimously adopted the 2025 Alabama County Platform, a comprehensive document detailing the unified stance of all 67 counties on other potential legislative matters. This platform reflects the diverse needs of Alabama’s counties while emphasizing their shared priorities.
The ACCA continues to champion the interests of county governments across Alabama, offering educational programs, legal guidance, and insurance services while representing counties in state and federal policy discussions. By fostering collaboration and advancing critical legislative initiatives, the ACCA ensures that Alabama’s counties can provide efficient and effective services to their communities.
On Tuesday 41 year old Ryan Phillips was in the United States Federal Court for sentencing.
Ryan Phillips, a former Sergeant with Daleville Police Department and former Houston County Sheriff Deputy enterted guilty pleas in United States Federal Court for using Unreasonable Force against an inmate in a March 2022 dispute.
In the plea agreement, Ryan Phillips admitted that he took off his gun and badge, entered the cell where the inmate was held alone, and struck the inmate several times in the face and upper body. Federal Court information is the inmate suffered multiple cuts and bruises to his face and chest.
This was a civil rights violation which was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The United States Federal Court Judge sentenced Ryan Phillips to 16 months in the United States Bureau of Prisons. His law enforcement certification was ordered revoked and he can never be re-instated as a law enforcement officer, anywhere, again.
Following the sentence the court ordered Ryan Phillips to be taken into immediate custody to begin serving his sentence.
This event did not happen under the current leadership of Daleville Department of Public Safety – Police Division where John Crawford serves as Police Chief now.
Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd identified the man who died of a suspected overdose at Houston County Corrections Monday.
The victim is Jerome Boykin, Jr, who was 45 years old. His body has been sent for autopsy, and the State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.
The director of the facility said the death is possibly due to an overdose.
