HOUSTON COUNTY: Thursday morning in first appearances before Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis, 45-year-old Alphonzo Lorand Sanders appeared in court via closed circuit TV from the county jail.
Sanders appeared before Judge Lewis on two counts of Rape, two counts of Sodomy, and two counts of Incest.
The allegations are that Sanders had sex with and impregnated his biological daughter and his step daughter. There is a current investigation into more allegations against Sanders on more charges from another biological daughter.
Sanders has no prior arrest history. The charges were explained in court while before the Judge. Judge Lewis set a $250,000 bond on the Incest charges.
As Sanders turned around, one inmate “Superman” charged Sanders, and a second inmate jumped in. A brawl took place which was broken up Corrections Deputy Liz Scarborough. Other corrections deputies responded and assisted.
The families of the victims and defendant were in the courtroom. It all unfolded on closed circuit TV.
The student information system used by every public school in the state — including Dothan City Schools — fell victim to a data breach which may have put Alabama students’ medical and grade information at risk, according to the state Department of Education in reporting from AL.com.
PowerSchool is used as a student information vendor. The Department of Education said a cybersecurity incident occurred in which a currently unknown party had unauthorized access.
The communications director for the Alabama Department of Education said the attack was directed at PowerSchool internationally and was not specifically targeting Alabama.
Dothan City Schools put out a release, saying they were notified on Jan. 7 about the cybersecurity incident.
While social security numbers are safe, some “medical and grade information” for students could have been impacted. DCS said affected data could include sensitive personal information like names, addresses and email addresses.
The company claimed the data involved in the breach was deleted and not shared or made public.
“The company has assured us that the incident is contained, and there is no evidence of ongoing unauthorized activity or operational disruptions,” the DCS release read.
While the company is offering credit monitoring and identity protection services to those whose sensitive data was compromised, its unclear whether those offers will be extended to Alabama customers because sensitive personal data is not collected or stored in the system.
Temperatures are set to plummet again Wednesday night, with wind chills as low as 16 degrees and hard freeze temperatures as low as 23 degrees after midnight.
The National Weather Service issued a Freeze Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory for Houston, Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Coffee Counties, along with Early County in Georgia and Holmes County in Florida.
Dothan First Baptist will serve as an overnight warming center. The shelter says they need blankets and snack bags, which can be dropped off at the Southeast Alabama Coalition for the Homeless office in Dothan. Christian Mission in Enterprise will serve as an overnight warming shelter as well.
Ahead of cold weather, remember to prepare by protecting the 4 P’s: people, pets, pipes, and plants.
Have blankets and warm clothing ready. Make sure to dress children going to school this week in warm clothing. Check on neighbors who may not have good heating systems. Notify unhoused people about the incoming temperature and where they can go. Consider donating warm clothing and blankets. If you use space heaters, plug them directly into a wall, not into an extension cord. Do not leave them on overnight.
Bring outdoor pets inside. You can also create shelters for outdoor pets.
Remember to drip faucets. Moving water helps protect pipes from freezing.
Bring plants which could be killed by low temperatures inside, or use tarps or another covering to protect plants which can’t be moved. Use extra mulch to protect the roots.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate has officially been sworn in for his third term in office. As the first sheriff to ever run unopposed in Holmes County, his work ethic and commitment to community speak for themselves.
He is an engaged, hands-on sheriff, and we, the men and women of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said they are honored to serve our community under his leadership.
“Today, I was sworn in to begin my third term as your sheriff. Serving this community is an honor I do not take lightly. I promise to continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of Holmes County,” Sheriff Tate said. “Together, we will build on the progress we’ve made, face challenges head-on, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Thank you for placing your trust in me—it remains my greatest privilege to serve as your sheriff.”
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Sheriff Donnie Edenfield was officially sworn in for his second term as Jackson County Sheriff in a private ceremony.
Sheriff Edenfield was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Wade Mercer (also a former classmate of the Sheriff) alongside an important person in his life, Clarence Wayne Johnson.
“I am completely humbled and honored to continue serving the citizens of Jackson County as your Sheriff,” Sheriff Edenfield said. “The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will continue achieving excellence through integrity, accountability, and professionalism for the next four years.”
This week, Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum proudly administered the Oath of Office to three new deputies, Deputy Corey Lomaneck, Deputy Mackinley Green, and Deputy Gabe Hall.
Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to public service, and we are confident they will serve our community with integrity, professionalism and courage.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the lives of those they serve,” the Dale County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
Enterprise Police charged two people with trafficking fentanyl after conducting a search warrant.
On Monday morning, Enterprise Police searched a home on Price Street in Enterprise, and they found fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
Detectives arrested and charged Tarell Trenton McMath with trafficking dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Detectives also arrested and charged Jace Deshawn Jones, age 23, with trafficking dangerous drugs, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McMath and Jones were transported to the Coffee County Jail after arrest.
