(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On June 15, 2026, the Dothan Police Department, through their membership in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of images depicting child sexual abuse material were shared on the social chatting website Discord.  Investigators received identifying information for the computer sharing the images and began sending search warrants out for multiple online platforms and applications.

As a result of the search warrants, the person was identified as Phillip Tyler Stanley (37) of Dothan.  The investigation revealed that, on several occasions, Stanley used a Discord chat to talk to other individuals about child sexual abuse materials.  On different chats, Stanley sent images of children that appear between the ages of 10 years old and 15 years old to different users.  Stanley told others in those chats that he was interested in females under the age of 10.

The investigation resulted in Stanley’s arrest at his residence on Whatley Drive on September 4, 2026.  A search for the username associated with the Discord chat revealed child sexual abuse materials were shared and possessed at hotels, places of employment, and the residence associated with Stanley.  Stanley was charged with 12 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and three counts of Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material.  Stanley was booked into the Houston County Jail and is being held without bond.

This investigation remains ongoing. Dothan Police investigators continue to follow leads involving additional online accounts and application platforms and are examining electronic devices and other digital evidence collected during the execution of the search warrant.  The Dothan Police Department remains vigilant in the protection of not only our young children, but people of all ages when it comes to exploitation. We encourage anyone with information regarding this investigation or similar criminal activity to contact the Dothan Police Department or provide information through Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous.  Additional charges are possible.

-Chief William E. Benny