An Ozark man is back behind bars after investigators say they uncovered thousands of graphic images involving children on his cellphone.
Jail records show 85-year-old Ross Blanchard was arrested Thursday and charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography.
Blanchard was previously arrested in April 2025 on one count of possession of child pornography. He was out on bond at the time of his latest arrest.
According to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, investigators continued their investigation following the April arrest and later discovered more than 2,000 illegal pornographic images depicting children engaged in sexual acts on Blanchard’s phone.
Court records indicate Blanchard had not been granted bond on the new charges as of Friday afternoon.
We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual. This person was last seen in the area of the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle and may have information regarding the homicide investigation taking place. If you know this person, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.
DOTHAN: 09:55 AM. Dothan 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. In the Double Tree parking lot.
On arrival Dothan Police found a male subject who received a gunshot wound and is deceased. A black male is reported to have fled on foot.
A complete examination has not been done to determine for sure gunshot wound. Investigators have to make sure all documented before moving body.
Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance on the scene along with multiple Dothan Police Officers and Criminal Investigators. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover are on the scene.
K-9 Track teams and WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support ) are in the air and on land searching for suspect.
Anyone with information call Dothan Police, 334-793-0215.
UPDATED @ 12:02 PM
it has been confirmed this is a murder.
UPDATED @ 2:08 PM
The suspect has been taken into custody at Stonewood and Fortner Street. The suspect has been transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division.
RSN does know the name of the victim and family has probably been notified. However until I can get up with Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd to confirm family notification RSN is going to withold name.
UPDATED @ 2:52 PM
Dothan Police Patrol Officers spread out in the area searching for suspect. The patrol officers also searched for anyone who might have video of anyone running.
Dothan Police questioned and detained two suspects at Bojangle’s. A Dothan Police Patrol Officer spotted a suspect at Stonewood and Fortner Street. In minutes multiple officers were on the scene with him. The suspect was transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover have been on the scene and Dothan Police headquarters very much involved in the investigation.
A Lee County man is in jail facing multiple charges after two teenagers were struck by a vehicle on a busy road in Smiths Station late Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement representatives, James Gabberd was taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail after the incident, which was captured on video obtained by local news outlets.
Footage shows a silver Chrysler 300 traveling eastbound as it crosses into the westbound lane and strikes two pedestrians walking along the road. One of the victims can be seen attempting to signal the driver to stop before the vehicle reverses and accelerates away from the scene.
Emergency personnel responded, and one of the teenagers was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. The other teen declined medical transport at the scene, according to investigators.
After the hit-and-run, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers, the Phenix City Police Department, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office located Gabberd and the vehicle at an address on 13th Street in downtown Phenix City.
Gabberd was arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail on the following charges:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Driving While Suspended
Improper Passing on the Right
DUI — Controlled Substance
Failure to Appear on Theft of Property (3rd Degree)
Lee County Jail records show Gabberd’s bond was set at $13,300 in connection with the charges.
