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UPDATED @ 1:35 PM     11:58 AM.  Major 2 Day Investigation

UPDATED @ 1:35 PM 11:58 AM. Major 2 Day Investigation

DALE – HOUSTON – DOTHAN:    Major 2 day online undercover operation results in multiple arrests for traveling to meet a child for an unlawful Sex act.

Led by Dale County Sheriff’s Office and assisted by ALEA, FBI, Houston Co Sheriff’s Office and Dothan PD.

More details to come.

UPDATED @ 1:25 PM   

In a well organized sting oeration which Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, members of Dale County Sheriff Department, assisted by ALEA – SBI, FBI, Dothan Police Department and Houston County Sheriff Department. The following have been arrested and booked into the Dale County Jail and currently under a no bond until appearance before Dale County District Court Judge Stan Garner:

Michael Wayne Hill, age 64, charge:  Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

Ryan Cotton, age 32, Charge:  Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

William Lewis, age 51, Charge:    Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

Zachary Hudson Taylor, age 32, Charge:      Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

Willie Lee Patterson, age 44, Charge:      Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

Daryl Earl Scott, age 64, Charge:      Traveling To Meet A Child For An Unlawful Sex Act

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

ROW ONE:     Daryl Lee Scott, Zachary Hudson Taylor

ROW TWO:    Willie Lee Patterson, William Lewis

ROW THREE:     Ryan Cotton, Michael Wayne Hill

10:52 AM.    3rd Annual Sheriff Golf Tournament

10:52 AM. 3rd Annual Sheriff Golf Tournament

Houston County Sheriff’s Office 

Join Us for the 3rd Annual Sheriff’s Cup Golf Tournament 

We are excited to announce that the Houston County Sheriff’s Office will host its 3rd Annual Sheriff’s Cup on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at RTJ Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama. This one day event is held to support our Sheriff’s Office initiatives and strengthen community engagement through friendly competition. 

Event Details 

• When: Thursday, October 30, 2025 

• Where: RTJ Highland Oaks Golf Trail, Dothan, AL 

(36-hole golf complex with three 9‑hole championship courses and a 9‑hole short course) 

Registration & Participation 

• Why Participate: 

Sponsor local law enforcement programs, build community ties, and enjoy a day of golf in one of Alabama’s premier courses. 

• How to Register Your Team: 

Email: golf@houstoncosoal.gov 

Phone: 334‑677‑4888 

• Cost & Sponsorship: 

We’ve worked with vendors to keep costs low. Lunch, snacks, and course amenities included. Sponsorships available. More details provided upon registration. 

What to Expect 

• Competitive 18‑hole 4 man scramble

• Prizes, awards, and recognition for teams and sponsors 

• Beautiful course setting and full event support 

• Opportunities for networking with other agency leadership and community members 

We greatly appreciate the support we’ve enjoyed in the previous two years and look forward to making this year’s Sheriff’s Cup even more successful. Secure your team’s spot now — spaces are limited! 

Thank you for your support of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. We look forward to seeing you on the fairway! 

For further information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: 

Houston County Sheriff’s Office 

Attn: Sheriff’s Cup Committee 

Phone: 334‑677‑4888 

Email: golf@houstoncosoal.gov 

Houston County Sheriff’s Office – Serving with pride, integrity, and community.

12:15 PM     Structure Fire Dispatched On Candlewood Drive

12:15 PM Structure Fire Dispatched On Candlewood Drive

DOTHAN:     12:07 PM     Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Fire Engine Companies to 3300 Candlewood Drive to reports of a structure fire. Reports to Dothan 911 smoke visible in bedroom near the carport.

Multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies, Dothan Police and Pilcher Ambulance responded.

On arrival of Dothan Fire Deputy Chief Pete Webb nothing visible, investigating. Dothan Fire Engine Company determined the fire was in a garbage can, which has been extinguished and removed from the residence. There were no fire extensions and all under control.

All Dothan Fire Engines and Pilcher Ambulance released from the call.

11:09 AM     Dothan Raised – Dothan High School Graduate – Now Mayor Elect of Mobile Alabama

11:09 AM Dothan Raised – Dothan High School Graduate – Now Mayor Elect of Mobile Alabama

MOBILE BUT FROM DOTHAN:      Raised in Dothan Alabama, a graduate from Dothan City Schools, is now Mayor-Elect of Mobile Alabama.

Dothan’s own Spiro Cheriogotis was recently elected as Mayor of Mobile Alabama. His family owned and operated Vend Serve during his years growing up in Dothan. His dad, now deceased, opened and operated Three Little Pigs in Dothan.

Spiro Cheriogotis went onto Mobile, has a sucessful law practice and served as District Court Judge in Mobile. He resigned the judgeship prior ro seeking election was Mayor.

Spiro Cheriogotis is the mayor-elect of Mobile, Alabama, following his victory in the September 2025 runoff election. His career history includes service as a prosecutor and district judge before entering the mayoral race. 
Political career
  • Mobile mayoral election: Cheriogotis won the election by defeating State Representative Barbara Drummond with 51.4% of the vote. He is scheduled to take office in early November 2025, succeeding outgoing three-term Mayor Sandy Stimson.
  • Campaign platform: Throughout his mayoral campaign, Cheriogotis focused on continuing Stimson’s legacy and addressing key issues for Mobile residents. He specifically highlighted goals related to increasing affordable housing and improving public safety. 
Legal and judicial career
  • Mobile County District Court Judge: Before his mayoral run, Cheriogotis served for six years as a Mobile County District Court Judge.
  • Private practice and prosecutor: He gained experience in both the private and public sectors, working as a defense attorney after an initial period with the Mobile County District Attorney’s office. 
Other details
  • Early life and education: Cheriogotis is originally from Dothan, Alabama, and holds a law degree from the University of Alabama.
  • Family: He is married to Lucy Greer Cheriogotis, and they have four children.
  • Campaign controversy: During his mayoral campaign, Cheriogotis faced criticism and opposition over his retelling of a decades-old family tragedy. Some reports and opinion pieces accused him of distorting court records to frame a convicted killer as a victim. 
10:38 AM    Power Outages – Hodgesville

10:38 AM Power Outages – Hodgesville

HODGESVILLE:      The power has been out in the Hodgesville area this morning. This was a scheduled outage where equipment upgrades are being performed by Power South.

Wiregrass Electric has attempted to get the word out via text messages and social media. They attempt to select the time that will not negatively impact citizens and members, and where the weather is ok and not to hot or cold.

These upgrades will allow Wiregrass Electric to better serve their members.

Within the next 30 minutes from now, 10:41 AM, or less power should be back on.