A Dothan man convicted in a multi-state sex trafficking operation has been sentenced to life in federal prison.
Chad Cornelious Seymore, known as the “Circle City Pimp,” pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges after investigators said he trafficked women between Alabama and North Florida for several years. Prosecutors said Seymore and others bonded women out of jail and then forced them into prostitution to repay the debt.
Authorities said Seymore targeted women struggling with drug addiction, recruiting them at hotels and through online advertisements. The women were controlled through threats, intimidation, and physical violence, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Court records show Seymore worked with 48-year-old Kimberly Robinson Gandy to traffic women in Panama City and Destin, Florida, using online payment platforms to collect money from the illegal activity. Gandy was convicted in June 2025 and sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
The sentences were announced during a press conference in Tallahassee, Florida.
A wreck was reported at 645 Twitchell Road involving a truck and a power pole.
According to initial information, the truck struck the power pole, causing damage to the pole. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Motorists were advised to use caution in the area as crews may respond to assess damage and make any necessary repairs. Traffic impacts, if any, were not immediately known.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided if more information becomes available.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement following final legislative passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, a measure that makes certain sexual crimes against children under the age of 12 eligible for the death penalty under Alabama law.
The statement was issued after the Alabama Legislature approved House Bill 41, legislation Marshall said sends a strong message about protecting children across the state.
“I applaud the Alabama Legislature for passing HB41, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act, which sends the strongest possible message that our state will not tolerate crimes against our children, who are among our most vulnerable citizens,” Marshall said.
Marshall stated the legislation strengthens the tools available to prosecutors and law enforcement when handling the most serious crimes involving children.
“Our children deserve to grow up safe, protected, and free from harm,” Marshall said. “This legislation provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue the ultimate penalty against those who commit the most depraved acts against children.”
Marshall also credited lawmakers who supported the bill throughout the legislative process.
“I commend Representative Matt Simpson, Senator April Weaver, and all members of the Legislature who supported this critical measure,” he said. “Alabama is leading the way in child protection, and this bill affirms that we will always stand on the side of our children.”
According to the release, House Bill 41 passed the Senate by a vote of 33–1. The bill was approved by the House earlier in the session and now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature.
The Troy Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant Friday, January 30, in the 300 block of Pace Street as part of an ongoing drug investigation.
According to police, the department’s Emergency Response Team assisted narcotics investigators during the search, where officers recovered more than three pounds of marijuana along with items consistent with the illegal sale of marijuana.
As a result of the investigation, Brandon Jamal Maddox, 29, of Troy, was arrested and charged with trafficking marijuana. Maddox was initially transported to the Troy City Jail for processing and later transferred to the Pike County Jail, where he is being held on a $50,000 bond.
The Troy Police Department praised the efforts of its narcotics investigators and Emergency Response Team, stating their continued work is vital in combating illegal drug activity and maintaining public safety throughout the community.
Dothan Police are asking for the public’s help as investigators continue to probe last week’s murder of local businessman Blake Bowen.
In a statement released by the Dothan Police Department, investigators said they are seeking information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or individuals in several areas on Friday, January 30, 2026, between 6:20 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
Police say the areas of interest include:
Fortner Street (between Ross Clark Circle and Bob Hall Road)
Bob Hall Road
Trawick Road (between Bob Hall Road and the Geneva County line)
Geneva County Road 68 (between the Houston County line and Fondren Road)
“We are trying to gather any additional information that could aid investigators,” said Lt. Scott Owens with the Dothan Police Department.
Police have charged Michael T. Taylor, 24, in connection with Bowen’s shooting, alleging robbery as the motive.
Meanwhile, the Houston County District Attorney’s Office has asked a judge to revoke Taylor’s probation stemming from previous burglary convictions. Officials say the revocation request is largely procedural, as Taylor is currently being held without bond and is unlikely to receive one.
A judge is expected to approve the probation revocation within the next few days.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Dothan Police Department or submit tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
TAYLOR: The City of Taylor has a Personnel Manual that they feel is not public record. Well, the Acting Chief of Police, Magistrate and some other female in Magistrate Office does not feel it is public.
So here it is. Taylor Mayor Robert Lamb got mad on Tuesday evening when it was mentioned and he said that he had only been Mayor for three months and can not be expected to know everything. HOWEVER, Mayor Robert Lamb was Code Enforcement Officer, drove a City of Taylor Code Enforcement truck, prior to resigning to seek election as Mayor. A document is suppose to be signed that the new employee has been given a copy and read the manual. So Mayor Robert Lamb has NO EXCUSE!!!
