News and Events

(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On May 22, 2026, Dothan Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of Headland Avenue for a suspicious person call.  The person reporting told dispatchers his business’ outside air conditioning unit had been stolen on Monday May 18^th.  Video surveillance led the person reporting to believe the person responsible was back at the business when he called police.  Officers came into contact with the suspect, Jonhas Smith (42) of Dothan.  The officer responding also responded to the call on Monday and recognized the suspect as the same from video surveillance also identified the suspect for several other crimes in the past week.

Further investigation revealed Smith was responsible for breaking into vehicles in the 100 block of Ross Clark Circle, 200 block of Ross Clark Circle, 500 block of Bic Road, and this business in the 1800 block of Reeves Street on May 19^th as well as the theft of the air conditioning unit.  Additionally, Smith was found to be responsible for breaking into vehicles in the 2200 block of Montgomery Highway on May 6^th.  Smith was arrested and charged with 35 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle as well as several warrants.  Smith was booked into the Houston County Jail with bonds totaling $87,500.  Additional charges are possible.

-Chief William E. Benny

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 6, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified by Houston County Department of Human Resources about reports of a school employee engaged in inappropriate activity with a student.  An investigation was immediately started to assess the allegations.  Investigators were told the employee had been placed on administrative leave by the school and no longer around children at the school.

Investigators learned a report was made to Dothan City Schools in February about there being inappropriate conduct on the part of the employee, identified as Johnny Mark Dunaway (55) of Midland City.  The complaint was handled internally by Dothan City Schools.  Another report was made on April 28, 2026, about Dunaway engaged in similar inappropriate conduct with a student.  Again, Dothan City Schools began an internal investigation.  Seven days later May 6^th, Dothan City Schools notified Houston County Department of Human Resources about the complaint, which was then forwarded to the Dothan Police Department. Dothan Police Investigators conducted a methodical, thorough investigation in the coming days to resolve the case successfully.

Shortly after the investigation started, a forensic interview was conducted where allegations of sexual crimes were disclosed about Dunaway by the student.  On May 13, 2026, a search warrant was conducted on Dunaway’s residence in Dale County for evidence related to the complaint.  Several items were seized and are in the process of forensic examination.  Concurrently, several court orders were sent for various social media and gaming platforms.

The level of trust given to school employees that encounter our children is not one to be taken lightly.  When there is evidence that trust has been violated, the Dothan Police Department will not hesitate to take action to protect the children in our schools.

Dunaway has been arrested and charged with seven (7) counts of Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years old, and one count of Interference with Custody.  Dunaway was booked in the Houston County Jail and is being held without bond.  Additional charges are possible, and the investigation remains ongoing.  With knowledge of previous teaching positions held by Dunaway, information in our investigation will be shared with the appropriate jurisdictions.

The safety of our children is non-negotiable. The Dothan Police Department will devote every available resource to investigating crimes against children, and anyone who exploits a position of trust to victimize a child should expect our full commitment to pursuing justice.

-Chief William E. Benny