(DOTHAN, Ala.) On April 9, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified that a package suspected to contain illegal drugs was set to be delivered to a Dothan address. Dothan Police Narcotics investigators were immediately notified. It was discovered that the suspects, identified as Gerald Rattery (40) of West Palm Beach, Florida and Brian Fields (39) of Chico, California, were set to receive the package containing illegal narcotics. Inside the package, investigators found approximately 10 pounds of marijuana.
After the delivery was made, Rattery and Fields left the location on a vehicle. A traffic stop on the vehicle revealed the package was placed in the trunk. Rattery was charged with one count of Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana and Fields was charged with one count of Trafficking Marijuana. Both are being held on $1.5 million bonds.
-Chief William E. Benny
Gerald Anthony Ratter (40) of West Palm Beach, FL- Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana, $1.5 million bondBrian Fields (40) of Chico, CA- Trafficking Marijuana, $1.5 million bondApproximately 10 pounds of Marijuana
On April 3, 2026, around 3:00 am, Dothan Police Officers responded to a burglary in progress in the 300 block of Daniel Circle. Officers met with the homeowner who explained he heard his dogs barking around 1:00 am. The homeowner checked the inside and outside of the residence but found nothing. Just before 3:00 am, the homeowner heard a loud crash and went to see what the sound was. The homeowner found the suspect, identified as Jacob Mark Wilson Gates (33) of Dothan, lying in the hallway after falling through the ceiling. The homeowner, in order to protect himself, struck Gates with a dog gate until Gates fled the residence.
Officers were quick to respond and tracked the suspect using a police K-9. The dog tracked the suspect to the 2000 block of Stonebridge where Gates was apprehended. It was clear to officers Gates was impaired by drug use. During a search, officers found a bag with numerous different pills along with a white powder and syringes. Through the investigation, it was discovered Gates entered the attic of the residence by climbing a porch railing and entering a roof vent. Gates was in the attic for about 2 hours before he fell through the ceiling.
Gates was arrested and charged with Burglary 2nd degree. Other charges are pending analysis of the pills and powder found on Gates.
On March 26, 2026, just before 7:00 am, officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the 100 block of Rock Bridge Road. As officers were responding, dispatchers provided a description of the people involved in the disturbance. An officer observed two individuals, one male and one female, matching the description and attempted to approach them. The two individuals took off running as the officers gave chase. The female, identified as Shadavia Marcel (23), was captured a short distance away and identified after providing a false name. Marcel told officers she knew she had warrants so she ran. While searching Marcel’s belongings, officers found methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
The male was captured by a different officer. The male, who also gave a false name knowing he had warrants, was identified as Jamal McClendon (37). Once officers de-escalated the scene, it was determined an argument between parties had turned physical. A third individual, Jasmiuna Wheeler (31), was determined to be the primary aggressor of the argument. Wheeler was also arrested on scene.
Shadavia Marcel was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and her outstanding warrants.
Jamal McClendon was charged with Obstructing Justice Using a False Identity and his outstanding warrants.
Jasmiuna Wheeler was charged with Domestic Violence 3rd degree.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On November 15, 2025, just after 7:00 am, the Dothan Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Idlewild Path for a person down possibly having a medical episode. Officers and Dothan Fire paramedics found the victim, Jordan Marie Robinson (28) of Dothan, unresponsive. First responders immediately began life-saving treatment, but Robinson was pronounced dead on scene.
While inside the residence, officers were able to observe drug paraphernalia and residue in plain view in the residence. This led investigators to obtain a search warrant for the residence. Investigators seized various types of drugs that included methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin, and fentanyl along with different items of drug paraphernalia. Investigators were able to link the drugs to the suspect in this case. The suspect, Jenne Clifton Adams (41) of Ashford, was charged that day with Drug Trafficking, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana 2nd degree, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. An autopsy on Robinson was ordered and received by investigators on March 3, 2026.
After a forensic autopsy was completed, the proximate cause of death was listed as fentanyl overdose. Investigators, through digital forensic analysis of phones and computers, were able to establish probable cause that Adams supplied the fentanyl to Robinson that caused her death.
Adams was charged additionally with one count of Manslaughter-Fentanyl and booked into the Houston County Jail. Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that has affected many lives in the Wiregrass region. Anyone possessing, supplying, or using this dangerous substance in our community can expect to be held accountable according to Alabama law. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jordan Robinson as they grieve during this unimaginable time.
-Chief William E. Benny
Jesse Clifton Adams (41) of Ashford- Manslaughter-Fentanyl
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On February 18, 2026, an investigator following leads on shooting incidents in Dothan spotted a suspect he knew was wanted for those shootings in the 600 block of North Lena Street. The investigator recognized the suspect, Romello Tajeh Cox (20) of Dothan, as a suspect from previous shooting. The investigator called for backup, and the residence was surrounded. After commands for those in the apartment to come out, Cox and another individual exited the residence. There was information obtained that there were more people inside the apartment with access to firearms.
The Special Response Team was activated while a search warrant was obtained for the apartment. During execution of the search warrant, SRT operators verified there were no other occupants in the apartment. Two firearms were located during the search. One firearm was confirmed stolen.
Cox was previously wanted for a shooting into an occupied dwelling that occurred on February 12th in the 1000 block of Lake Street near Martin Homes. Shots were fired at a victim that struck that apartment and another apartment in the complex. The other apartment that was struck was occupied by a female and a small child at the time of the shooting. Cox was charged with two counts of Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling and one count of Attempted Assault 1st degree relating to that shooting.
Information was also developed that Cox was responsible for a separate shooting involving the same victim on February 16th in the 800 block of East Selma Street. Cox, having seen the victim in a vehicle, fired shots at the vehicle striking that vehicle as well as two other vehicles. Gunfire also struck two unoccupied houses. Cox was also charged with three counts of Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle and two counts of Shooting into an Unoccupied Dwelling in relation to that shooting.
The other occupant of the apartment was charged with a crime in relation to the stolen firearm. The suspect, Kahlesha Mesha Cooper-Smith (21) of Dothan, was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree.
Dangerous acts involving firearms are unacceptable in the City of Dothan. If you use a gun in commission of a violent crime you can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Dothan Police Department will advocate for vigorous prosecution of these individuals in cooperation with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. More charges are possible as investigations continue.
-Chief William E. Benny
Romello Tajeh Cox (20) of Dothan- Two counts Shooting into Occupied Dwelling, Two counts Shooting into Occupied Vehicle, Three counts Shooting into Unoccupied Dwelling, and one count Attempted Assault 1st, No bond.Kahlesha Mesha Cooper-Smith (21) of Dothan- Receiving Stolen Property 2nd
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On January 30, 2026, just before 10:00 am, the Dothan Communications Center received several reports of a vehicle crash into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. When first responders arrived, they immediately attempted to check on the person in the vehicle that was now submerged in the pond. It was apparent soon after contact the victim was deceased. A closer inspection of the victim revealed a fatal gunshot wound. While stabilizing the scene, several witnesses reported a black male running away from the scene. As investigators worked to determine the details, the Dothan Police Department was actively searching the area for someone matching the suspect’s description. The victim, identified as Wesley Blake Bowen (33) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers were canvassing the area, officers came into contact with a black male on Stonewood Drive behind Farrah Circle that matched the description obtained from witnesses and surveillance in the area. The suspect was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor (24) of Ozark, AL. Officers and investigators located a jacket and a handgun near where the suspect was located.
According to the preliminary investigation, Bowen and the suspect were en route to an unknown location with Bowen driving his vehicle. At some point, the suspect pulled out a firearm in a suspected robbery and shot Bowen. With Bowen incapacitated, the vehicle lost control and drove into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. The suspect has been charged with one count of Capital Murder-Robbery and is being held without bond. We want to thank the many members of the community who gave information that assisted in the capture of this individual.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowen’s family and friends as they grieve. If anyone has any information about this case, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or give a tip anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.
-Chief William E. Benny
Michael Tywaun Taylor (24)- Capital Murder-Robbery, No bond
After responding to the firearm assault during the early morning hours, investigators and officers began working multiple leads. Information learned led investigators to Dale County. Members of the Dothan Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division worked hand in hand all day long and into the night with Sheriff Mason Bynum and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department. Together the two departments located persons of interest, witnesses, and executed search warrants.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, at approximately 7:15 PM on Saturday January 10, 2026, Dothan Police Department Investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to sign a warrant for Murder on 40 year old Ted Carstiel Caldwell of Ozark, Alabama. At approximately 8:30 PM, Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department located Caldwell at a residence in Ozark and took him into custody. Caldwell was transported to Dothan where he was booked into the Houston County Jail for the Murder charge with no bond.
Details learned indicate the victim, Brandon Layfatte Jones, and another individual were engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical over a minor parking lot dispute. During their dispute, Caldwell interjected himself by producing a firearm and shooting Jones, who according to witnesses was unarmed. As a result, Jones succumbed to the injury.
Caldwell is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Records show he has past arrests for Assault, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear in court on more than one occasion, Failure to Pay Child Support, and even a previous arrest for Murder. All arrests were in jurisdictions outside of Houston County. Even though these were arrests, the disposition and sentencing for each of these are unknown.
The Dothan Police Department would like to extend their gratitude to Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department for all their hard work and dedication to helping bring such a senseless crime to a successful conclusion. This is a great example of two departments working together as one team, for one cause.
Original:
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 AM, the City of Dothan-Houston County Emergency Operations Center received a call for a firearm assault in the parking lot of a local establishment in the 3600 block of Montgomery Highway.
Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim lying in the parking lot with one gunshot wound to the upper torso. Dothan Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the victim. Pilcher’s Ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital, trauma alert.
Shortly after arrival at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injury. The victim has been identified as 35 year old Brandon Layfatte Jones of Dothan.
At this time, a person of interest has been identified and is being sought.
A motive for the incident has not been determined as of yet due to the investigation being in its early stage.
We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.
After responding to the firearm assault during the early morning hours, investigators and officers began working multiple leads. Information learned led investigators to Dale County. Members of the Dothan Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division worked hand in hand all day long and into the night with Sheriff Mason Bynum and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department. Together the two departments located persons of interest, witnesses, and executed search warrants.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, at approximately 7:15 PM on Saturday January 10, 2026, Dothan Police Department Investigators had gathered sufficient evidence to sign a warrant for Murder on 40 year old Ted Carstiel Caldwell of Ozark, Alabama. At approximately 8:30 PM, Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department located Caldwell at a residence in Ozark and took him into custody. Caldwell was transported to Dothan where he was booked into the Houston County Jail for the Murder charge with no bond.
Details learned indicate the victim, Brandon Layfatte Jones, and another individual were engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical over a minor parking lot dispute. During their dispute, Caldwell interjected himself by producing a firearm and shooting Jones, who according to witnesses was unarmed. As a result, Jones succumbed to the injury.
Caldwell is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Records show he has past arrests for Assault, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court for Failure to Appear in court on more than one occasion, Failure to Pay Child Support, and even a previous arrest for Murder. All arrests were in jurisdictions outside of Houston County. Even though these were arrests, the disposition and sentencing for each of these are unknown.
The Dothan Police Department would like to extend their gratitude to Sheriff Bynum and members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Department for all their hard work and dedication to helping bring such a senseless crime to a successful conclusion. This is a great example of two departments working together as one team, for one cause.
Original:
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 AM, the City of Dothan-Houston County Emergency Operations Center received a call for a firearm assault in the parking lot of a local establishment in the 3600 block of Montgomery Highway.
Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim lying in the parking lot with one gunshot wound to the upper torso. Dothan Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and began life saving measures on the victim. Pilcher’s Ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital, trauma alert.
Shortly after arrival at the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injury. The victim has been identified as 35 year old Brandon Layfatte Jones of Dothan.
At this time, a person of interest has been identified and is being sought.
A motive for the incident has not been determined as of yet due to the investigation being in its early stage.
We ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On December 10, 2025, the Dothan Police Department, in connection with a two-month investigation, charged Adam Scott Moore (42), Jeremy Leonard Blackmon (39), and Jimmie Lee Covington Jr. (38) with two counts of Human Trafficking 2nd degree as well as other charges. In November, investigators involved in the investigation of drug use and sale were alerted to activity by the three suspects involving setting up sexual encounters with clients through a social media platform.
According to investigators, Blackmon, Covington, and Moore were involved in the scheduling, payment, and protection of adult females over the age of 18 while they engaged in unlawful sexual activity for payment at local hotels. During different operations, other crimes were uncovered that implicated the three suspects. Moore was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking 2nd degree and Chemical Endangerment of a Child. Blackmon was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking 2nd degree, Rape 1st degree, and five failure to appear warrants with Dothan City Court. Covington was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking 2nd degree. All suspects are being held without bond at the Houston County Jail. More arrests and charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no further information can be released. Human Trafficking is a crime for which vulnerable individuals are exploited to benefit criminals by subjecting victims to terrible situations and conditions. No person should be subjected to human trafficking. The Dothan Police Department will aggressively follow leads on human trafficking in our area and advocate for aggressive prosecution of those involved. We’ll help. We’ll listen. If you or someone you know is being or has been subjected to human trafficking, we encourage you to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000, submit tips to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, or anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.
-Chief William E. Benny
Adam Scott Moore (42) of Dothan- Human Trafficking 2nd degree, Chemical Endangerment of a Child, No bondJeremy Leonard Blackmon (39) of Dothan- Human Trafficking 2nd degree and Rape 1st degree, No bondJimmie Lee Covington Jr. (38) of Dothan- Human Trafficking 2nd Degree, No bond
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On November 4, 2025, Dothan Police Narcotics Investigators seized 700 grams of fentanyl pills, 759 THC vape pens, and approximately 465 pounds of marijuana in search warrant conducted at a residence in the 2000 block of Woodland Drive. This seizure was the result of a long-term, ongoing investigation into drugs being dealt in the City of Dothan. The suspect, Vasquez Ramon Bryant (37) of Dothan, was arrested and charged with Trafficking-Fentanyl and Trafficking- Marijuana with more charges pending after further investigation.
On November 4th, a patrol officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Bryant in the 3000 block of Ross Clark Circle. A search of the vehicle yielded 62 grams in blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. A subsequent search warrant at the residence on Woodland Drive revealed a large quantity of various narcotics and paraphernalia. Investigators found 700 grams of fentanyl in pill form with an approximate street value of $105,000.00, 759 individual THC vape devices with a street value of $11,925.00, approximately 465 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $232,500.00, various drug paraphernalia items, and two firearms, which included one AR style rifle. The investigation is still ongoing.
I am very proud of the work of officers and investigators who put in countless hours working to make the City of Dothan a safer place. The amount of fentanyl found was enough to kill the entire population of our city and then some. We want the people supplying this poison on our streets to consider themselves on notice. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will advocate for the harshest prosecution allowed by law.
-Chief William E. Benny
Vasquez Ramon Bryant (37) of Dothan- Trafficking-Fentanyl and Trafficking-MarijuanaLarge Fentanyl Bust with Marijuana and guns700 grams of Fentanyl
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