Lieutenant Watkins Graduates from the FBI National Academy Session 296

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On December 11, 2025, Chief William E. Benny announced that Lieutenant Lacy Watkins has graduated as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on December 11th, 2025. Lt. Watkins is the second female officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 296th session consisted of 254 law enforcement officers who graduated today from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 296th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia.

The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.

“I am proud that Lt. Watkins was selected to attend the FBI National Academy’s 296th session.  Lt. Watkins has proven herself with her professionalism and leadership within the Dothan Police Department.  Lt. Watkins joins the group of FBI National Academy Alumni that continue to provide valuable leadership and experience to the Dothan Police Department.” – Chief Benny.

Lt. Watkins is the current division commander of the Professional Standards Division.  Lt. Watkins started her career with Dothan Police Department in August 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks.  Lt. Watkins spent several years as a criminal investigator as well in the Patrol Division.  Lt. Watkins was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in October 2023.

FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered.

A total of 56,688 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

Lt. Watkins with FBI Director Kash Patel
Lt. Watkins with Chief Benny in Quantico, VA at the FBI Academy

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Three Charged with Human Trafficking in Illegal Sex Ring

(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 bond
Jeremy Leonard Blackmon (39) of Dothan- Human Trafficking 2nd degree and Rape 1st degree, No bond
Jimmie Lee Covington Jr. (38) of Dothan- Human Trafficking 2nd Degree, No bond

 

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Major Fentanyl Bust Lands One in Jail; Large Amount of Marijuana and Guns Also Seized

(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-Marijuana
Large Fentanyl Bust with Marijuana and guns
700 grams of Fentanyl

One Adult and One Juvenile Arrested for Shooting that Injures Two People

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On November 2, 2025, Dothan Police Officers responded to reports of gunshots fired in the area of an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Kinsey Road.  Shortly after the call of shots fired, an officer was waved down in the area and told that a 12-year-old juvenile was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm that was non-life threatening.  As officers were attempting to locate a crime scene, they were notified there was another report of a 19-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower leg that was also non-life threatening.  Officers were able to determine the victims and shootings were all related to a single incident.  Criminal investigators were called to the scene to begin the investigation.  The two people who were shot were treated at a local hospital and released.

A suspect was identified early in the investigation, and officers began searching.  The suspect, identified as Kharon Martin (18) was located at a convenience store near South Oates Street and Ross Clark Circle.  Martin was brought to the police department for an interview.  A second suspect, a 16-year-old juvenile, was also identified as a suspect and was located at his residence.  Martin confessed to being part of the shooting during questioning although he did not actually fire a weapon.  The 16-year-old juvenile also confessed to the shooting during an interview and admitted to being one person firing a weapon.

Martin has been charged with two counts of Assault 1st degree for his role in the crime.  Martin is being held without bond at the Houston County Jail.  The 16-year-old juvenile was charged as an adult with two counts of Assault 1st degree and Illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile.  The juvenile is also being held without bond at the Houston Count Jail.  Due to juvenile privacy laws, no further information can be released about the juvenile.  Investigators continue to investigate this crime and more arrests are possible.

Actions have consequences.  Firing a gun at someone is a serious crime that will have serious consequences in the City of Dothan.  This type of violence has no place in our community, and we will vigorously pursue prosecution to get the people committing this violence off our streets. We are thankful for the tips that came from the community and solid police work by officers that allowed us to make these arrests quickly.

-Chief William E. Benny

Kahron Lamir Martin (18) of Dothan- Two Counts of Assault 1st degree, no bond

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Juvenile Arrested After Breaking into Non-Profit That Serves Community

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On October 26, 2025, the Dothan Police Department was notified of a burglary at a non-profit organization in the 900 block of Sixth Avenue.  An employee noticed gaming consoles were missing and knew about previous break-ins.  The business contacted the police department to begin an investigation.  A criminal investigation was launched to determine the individual(s) responsible.

Several leads were developed by criminal investigators and a suspect developed.  It was discovered during the investigation that a 14-year-old juvenile entered the business through a window to steal the gaming consoles.  The juvenile was brought to the Dothan Police Department and admitted to entering the business to steal the gaming consoles.  Investigators recovered the stolen property at a residence within two blocks of the non-profit organization.  The juvenile has been charged with Burglary 3rd degree and turned over to Juvenile Court Services.  Due to juvenile privacy laws, no further information can be released.

Any time someone’s property is entered illegally it is a violation of personal privacy.  It is disheartening that this individual would victimize a non-profit business that serves the very community they lived in.  While we are positive this non-profit organization would have helped this individual with any needs they had, it does not give anyone the right to take property that does not belong to them.  We will continue to hold these individuals accountable for unlawful behavior.  We are grateful to return the property to its rightful owner.

-Chief William E. Benny

 

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Suspects Identified in Wiregrass Commons Mall Shooting

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On October 12, 2025, just before 4:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department, along with several other agencies, responded to reports of active gunfire at Wiregrass Commons Mall.  As officers were responding, the call was upgraded to a person suffering a gunshot wound.  When officers arrived on scene, they immediately began giving medical treatment to the person struck by gunfire.  Once the scene was clear, Dothan Fire Department paramedics transported the person shot to a local hospital for treatment.  The person who was shot is in critical condition.

During the investigation, it was discovered that a male individual was inside the Not Just Cuts barber shop inside Wiregrass Commons Mall.  As the individual was getting a haircut, three individuals entered the business.  One of the three individuals, Korion Michael Salter (20) of Dothan, began making threats and displayed a firearm.  The individual in the barber shop responded by pulling his firearm and a shootout ensued from both individuals.  During the gunfire, Salter was struck by multiple bullets fired from the individual in the barbershop.  A second suspect, Sharier AlQuan Caesar (25) of Greenville, North Carolina, also fired rounds at the individual in the barbershop.

After the shooting, the individual that was originally in the barbershop hid in a back room and waited for police to arrive.  This person has been cooperating with the investigation.  As a result of this incident, Sharief Caesar has been charged with Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Building.  Caesar is currently being sought by the Dothan Police Department.  Additional charges are possible on Caesar.  In the event Salter recovers, it is possible he could be charged as well.

When the shooting happened, the officers and investigators involved in the case made a commitment to each other and the community.  That commitment was to find those responsible and get them off the streets of the City of Dothan.  This type of violence will not be tolerated, and we will work with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent allowed by law.  It is time for the violence to stop.  We encourage everyone to debate with words, not bullets.  Disagree verbally, not violently.  The impact of this incident cannot be estimated in just those who received physical injuries but mental injuries as well.  When the community refuses to stand silent on these acts of violence, we only get stronger as a community and as a city.  We are committed to continuing our partnership with the community to combat acts of violence like this.

-Chief William E. Benny

Korion Michael Salter
Sharief AlQuan Caesar (25) of Greenville, North Carolina- Attempted Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Building

Update on Wiregrass Commons Mall Shooting

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On October 12, 2025, just before 4:00 pm, the Dothan Police Communications Center received reports of active gunfire in the Wiregrass Commons Mall.  According to reports, it was at the end of the mall closest to the Spirit Halloween store.  Before officers could arrive, there were reports someone had been shot in the upper body at least once.  When officers arrived on scene, they began providing medical treatment to the person shot.  The person shot, a male, was transported to a local hospital for treatment with no information on his current condition.

As more officers arrived on the scene, the Communications Center was receiving calls from several employees in the mall who were sheltering in place in their stores.  A list of locations was gathered, and teams of law enforcement officers began clearing the mall to assist those sheltering in place.  Officers conducted three separate searches due to the size of the mall.  They were able to confirm that no suspects remained inside, and all employees were able to make it out safely.

Once everyone was evacuated from the mall, criminal investigators and crime scene technicians began their processing of the crime scene.  It was confirmed quickly this was an altercation between individuals stemming from past incidents who began shooting.  An individual was in a barber shop when multiple people came into the shop.  There were comments made threatening violence to the person getting a haircut.  There were more threats when firearms were retrieved.  The person getting a haircut was also armed.

After several rounds were fired in both directions, one person was struck with gunfire.  The male was one of the people who entered the barbershop making threats.  No one else involved in the shooting or any bystanders were struck by the gunfire.  Investigators continue to actively investigate this case and will aggressively follow any and all leads to identify any other individuals that were present.

Any time someone is injured by gunfire is a concerning incident.  However, the place where this shooting took place was especially concerning.  Citizens expect to be safe at places in and around the City of Dothan while shopping with their families.  The Dothan Police Department will find those responsible for this chaos and hold them accountable.  We want to be clear.  There is no measure to how fast we will hold you accountable or how severe the consequences will be for committing acts of violence in this city.  This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update the public with information as it is available.

Police Act Quickly When Threats Target School; Juvenile Arrested

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On October 9, 2025, the Dothan Police Department was made aware of threats made on social media targeting a Dothan City School.  An individual made threats to commit a targeted act of violence against Dothan High School the following Monday (October 13th).  Criminal investigators immediately began working on the case.  The person who made the threat was identified as a student at the school.

Once the student was identified, contact was made with the student as well as forensic analysis of their social media accounts.  As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was arrested for Making Terrorist Threats 2nd degree and placed in the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center.  Due to the juvenile’s age, no further information can be released.  Dothan City Schools will follow up with discipline according to their student code of conduct.

The Dothan Police Department takes all threats serious, especially those made towards a school.  We will not allow anyone to terrorize our students, faculty, staff, or parents by making ill-advised statements indicating threats of violence.  We are thankful to the individuals that shared this information with us so we could act.  The strongest deterrent to violence and crime is a community willing to take a strong stand against it in partnership with the police.

-Chief William E. Benny

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Man Arrested for Impersonating Police After Concerned Citizen Calls Police

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On October 7, 2025 at about 9:30 am, Dothan Police Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Fifth Avenue for a suspicious person call.  The caller told dispatchers a man come to the door and claimed to be a Dothan Police Officer.  The citizen asked for identification to verify the man was with Dothan Police.  The man never showed identification and eventually left the property.  The citizen, concerned about the interaction, called the Dothan Police Department to inquire if an officer really was at her residence.

As officers arrived in the area, the suspect, identified as Michael Darvous Pickett (23) of Dothan, was found in the area and positively identified as the person posing as a Dothan Police Officer.  After questioning, Pickett admitted to saying he was a Dothan Police Officer more than once.  It is unlawful for anyone to impersonate any law enforcement officer and perform an act in that capacity.  Pickett was arrested and charged with one felony count of Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer. Pickett was placed in the Houston County Jail.

People who impersonate law enforcement is especially concerning for citizens in our community.  We encourage citizens to ask for identification and verify the identity of plain clothes officers.  Officers will confirm their identity through showing a badge or credentials.  If you are still suspicious, you can call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 to verify employment.  We are grateful for the citizen who showed great situational awareness during this incident.

-Chief William E. Benny

Michael Darvous Pickett (23) of Dothan- Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer

Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on South Park Avenue

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On September 24, 2025, just after 1:00 am, Dothan Police officers responded to the 1200 block of South Park Avenue for a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.  When they arrived, officers found the female victim in the roadway.  The victim, identified as Fatimah Ali Borders (45) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, a SUV was driving on South Park Avenue when Borders entered the roadway.  Borders was struck by the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle stopped their vehicle and remained on scene until police arrived.  The driver fully cooperated with the investigation.  No further information is available as this is an ongoing investigation.  No charges are expected at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Fatimah Borders as they grieve in this difficult time.

 

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