A Houston County jury on Friday, Jan. 16, found Robert James Suggs, 53, of Cottonwood guilty on two felony counts of rape in the first degree.
Suggs was originally arrested in November 2024 following allegations involving a 95-year-old Cottonwood woman who was suffering from dementia.
According to testimony presented at trial, Sgt. Brandon Barnes with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office said Suggs and the victim were neighbors at the time of the incident. Barnes testified that Suggs picked the woman up in a golf cart and took her to Sealy Bales Creek under the pretense of going fishing.
Barnes stated the first rape charge stemmed from that encounter, during which Suggs removed the victim’s adult diaper in order to commit the assault. Court testimony confirmed the victim had been diagnosed with dementia in 2016.
According to Barnes, the second rape charge occurred later the same day when Suggs allegedly repeated the assault at the victim’s home.
Suggs was indicted by a Houston County grand jury in April 2025. Following the verdict, Barnes commented, “She didn’t deserve what happened to her,” adding that he was grateful to see justice served for the victim.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026, according to public court records.
HOUSTON COUNTY: On Tuesday afternoon Houston County businessman John Rogers announced that he is seeking election as Chairman of Houston County Commission in the Republican primary.
John Resident, born and raised in Houston County, a family man, announced that he feels those elected are public servants. The person elected does not have ownership of the office elected. Rogers made it clear the office belongs to the people. Rogers stated that freedom is not free and we are all blessed to be born in this country. Rogers said he makes the announcement to serve the citizens of Houston County, stressing as a public servant.
John Rogers cited transparency, physical responsibility, family, family values and integrity.
John Rogers said there is a need to help serve all people of the county. That government is taxpayer funded and that money should go back to our citizens.
John Rogers said we need jobs, people in servants role who have a work ethic and work to provide jobs.
John Rogers is a conservative Republican. He is thankful for an opportunity to serve the people.
Rogers said it is important to get back to We The People and the office belongs to the people.
John Rogers ask for your support. His phone number is 334-701-3502 if you would like to talk with him. If you want to support his campaign contributions can be made to THE JOHN ROGERS CAMPAIGN FUND, P.O. Box 86, Dothan, Al. 36302. If mailing in please include full name, email and address to the contribution can be recorded. Or you can uuse Apple Pay to 334-701-3502.
RUNNING FOR YOU!
PROTECT TAXPAYERS, RESULTS FIRST & POLITICS LAST
Economic Development & Allocate Resources For All !
Dothan Fire Department crews responded to a reported fire at the Guest House Inn in the 1000 block of Ross Clark Circle around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday.
According to initial information, the fire was isolated to an exterior breaker box at the property. Fire crews were able to quickly contain the issue, preventing the fire from spreading into the structure.
Dothan Fire Department units remain on scene along with Dothan Police Department, as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Jan. 19, 2026: Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) is proud to present the Youth Edition of Anastasia, a musical about discovering who you are and defining who you are meant to be. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Parisin the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery other past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con artist and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. Tickets on sale (https://www.seact.com/seact-onsale) now at SEACT.com
PIKE-COFFEE-DALE COUNTY: Over the weekend RSN covered a chase which came from Pike County into Coffee County and into Dale County. The WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support Program ) aircraft intercepted the chase, flying overhead to help keep everyone informed of location, lighting up the vehicle, and a guardian in the sky. While one might out run ground units, out running the guardian in the sky is almost impossible. And the aircraft being able to light up the ground to allow officers clear visions, is tremendous for the law enforcement officers to remain safe.
WASP needs your support. Anyone wishing to donate to help with the expensive maintenance and replacement, make checks payable to WASP and mail in care of Dale County Sheriff Department, 113 W Reynolds St, Ozark, AL 36360. There is non-profit entity established for tax deductible donations. The WASP unit has aided in a number of lost persons missions on land and water saving lives.
This is a great asset to serving and protecting. WASP flies routine patrol in times where data shows crimes are in a pattern of being higher. When chases start or a person runs that aircraft is scrambled in the air. It would be great if multiple agencies each contributed where the aircraft was on duty 24/7/365 with staffed pilots.
ORIGINAL CHASE ARTICLE
PIKE – COFFEE – DALE: 11:17 PM ALEA – Trooper is in pursuit of a vehicle, southbound, from Pike County. Coming into Dale County at 90 Miles per hour. Traffic light.
WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support Program ) air unit is in the air responding to report from the air. Will follow chase. Might outrun ground units but hard to outrun from the air view.
11:21 PM Two miles out of Dale County at speeds of 96 miles per hour coming from Brundidge area. Southbound on Highway 231.
THIS DUDE JUST HIT THE WRONG COUNTY – DALE COUNTY
SHERIFF BYNUM AND THE BOYS AND GIRLS DO NOT PLAY
11:22 PM Chase coming up on Highway 123 on Highway 231. Dale County Sheriff unit staging at Highway 231 and 51. Dale County Sheriff Deputy has spike strips.
11:24 PM Passing mile marker 56.
11:25 PM Just passed County 51 on Highway 231. Subject missed spikes. Still southbound on Highway 231.
11:26 PM Speeds of 100 miles per hour.
11:27 PM Passing County Road 11. Vehicle turning on Dale County 11, left off Highway 231.
11:28 PM Dale County Sheriff Deputy has permission to pit if can get into position.
11:29 PM Approaching Dale County Road 36, vehicle turned left on Dale County Road 36. Headed back towards Highway 231. Speeds at 75 miles per hour.
11:30 PM On Highway 231 approaching Roy Parker. Speeds 94 – 96 miles per hour.
11:31 PM Approaching Highway 27, turning right on 27 which goes towards Enterprise.
11:32 PM Successful pit and attempting to box vehicle in.
11:32 PM Vehicle is back southbound.
11:34 PM On Highway 27, vehicle has wrecked and rolled over. Suspect is reported to have struck several law enforcement vehicles. ALEA – Troopers, Dale County Sheriff Deputies and Ozark Police units on the scene.
TOLD YOU – SHERIFF BYNUM AND THE BOYS AND GIRLS DO NOT PLAY
AND COMBINED WITH ALEA – TROOPERS AND WASP
OH WELL !!!
11:36 PM Ozark-Dale County 911 has rolled EMS. A Dale County Sheriff Deputy vehicle out of service due to damages when struck by suspect vehicle.
11:38 PM Suspect in custody. Suspect was driving a black Ford F-150. At this time it is unknown why suspect was eluding law enforcement but whatever the reason the suspect has another felony, and could have three felonies, one from ALEA – Trooper, Dale County Sheriff Deputies, and Ozark Police, to include damge to law enforcement which could be additional felonies.
11:44 PM WASP has now returned to routine patrol in the air.
11:47 PM Ozark EMS is on the scene.
ALEA – Communications and Ozark – Dale County 911 did a great job.
MONTGOMERY: This past Tuesday in the State of State Address by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Governor Ivey called out legislation that is being carried out by District 85 Alabama Representative Rick Rehm and Alabama Senator Mack Wood.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey stated that she fully supports this legislation and looks forward to it reaching the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
The bill, as described by Governor Ivey, will open a temporary pathway for qualified Veteran’s to be allowed to teach.
House District 85 represents Henry County and parts of Houston County. In Representative Rick Rehm’s re-election announcement he was endorsed by by Alabama Speaker of House Ledbetter and the local legislative delegation who were all present for Rick Rehm’s announcement to seek re-election.
