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PAGE 4A September 2025 E-Edition
Fort Payne Police Report The following crime report was provided by the Fort Payne Police Department. All persons are presumed innocent until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. August 8, 2025 Incidents • August 16, 2025 Incidents • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 921 Forest Ave NW, a flat screen tv, a tv stand, door glass, mirror, and a door and door frame were damaged, valued at $675.00 Three Arrests •
Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton has announced that sixteen-year-old Layla Brogdon (Williams), who was reported missing on August 20, 2025, has been located safe. The Sheriff also noted that following the investigation, two arrests have been made in connection with the case. An Attalla man and woman were arrested on August 26 and August 27, 2025 for Failure to Report a Missing Child, according to Sheriff Horton. Ronald Brogdon, 42, and Faith Brogdon, 40, were both taken into custody in connection with this case. Records indicate that the custodial parents were aware of Layla's disappearance on August 18th around noon but did not report her missing until August 20th at 6:05 p.m. On August 21, 2025, Layla was located in Gaylesville, Alabama by Sheriff's Investigators. She was transported to the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, where the Etowah County Department of Human Resources (DHR) was contacted and responded. Both Ronald and Faith Brogdon were incarcerated at the Etowah County Detention Center before being released on $1,000 bonds each. "This case highlights how critically important it is for parents and guardians to promptly report missing children," said Sheriff Jonathon Horton. "Every moment matters in these situations, and delays can put children at unnecessary risk. We are thankful that she was located safely, and this case will continue to be reviewed in coordination with DHR." This case remains under investigation. No further information will be released at this time. The Sheriff's Office reminds the public that all missing child cases should be reported immediately by calling 911 or contacting the Sheriff's Office directly at (256) 546-2825. Three Juveniles Injured A single-vessel related incident at approximately 5:15 p.m. Friday, August 29, and has resulted in the injury of three juveniles. According to Alabama State Troopers Anthony W. Musselman, 65, of Ohatchee was towing the three juveniles on an inflatable with a pontoon boat when the inflatable collided with a nearby pier. The three juveniles, a 13-year- old and two 14-year-olds, were injured and transported to local area hospitals for medical treatment. The incident occurred on Neely Henry Lake in the area of Greensport near Rainbow City in Etowah County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division continue to investigate. New Pay Incentive Plan Two Arrested After Missing Juvenile Found The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges and arrests may be pending as the DeKalb County Major Crimes Unit and DeKalb County Districts Attorney’s Office, continues to pursue this case. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted an internal investigation involving employees of the DeKalb County Detention Center. As a result of the investigation, one employee has been arrested and another has been terminated. Corrections Officer Evan Blayne Wilborn (age 38 of Rainsville) was arrested and charged with Voyeurism 1st (x6). No other individuals were identified. “These charges are serious and deeply concerning. We will never hesitate to hold our own accountable and uphold the trust the public has placed in us. No one is above the law, and this office will remain committed to full transparency and justice,” said Sheriff Nick Welden. Corrections Officer Arrested for Voyeurism Sheriff Jonathon Horton has announced the implementation of a new pay incentive plan aimed at supporting the dedicated Detention Deputies and uncertified personnel-such as clerks and administrative staff-of the Etowah County Sheriff's Office. This initiative has been a top priority for Sheriff Horton since the beginning of his current term. The Incentive Plan is made possible through revenues generated from the housing of Federal Inmates/Detainees. The Sheriff is not required to house Federal Inmates, so a portion of the revenues earned are being directed to those that are directly providing the services which is the Detention Deputies and other Administrative Personnel within the Office of Sheriff. "Jails shouldn't make profits; the money should be invested back into the employees who work hard every day for the safety of the inmates, the community, and this office," said Sheriff Horton. The incentive program mirrors an existing legislative model that currently benefits APOST-certified deputies through a portion of a 1% tax supplement. Under this new plan, eligible uncertified employees will now receive annual incentives starting at $3,500 and up per employee, depending on role and tenure. Sheriff Horton expressed his sincere gratitude to the Etowah County Commission, along with County CAO and CFO, for their instrumental roles in making this initiative possible. He also extended a special thanks to the Etowah County Sheriff's Office Personnel Board for their diligent work in shaping the proposal and advancing it to the Commission for approval. "This is about recognizing the hard work and sacrifice of the individuals who keep our detention center and office operating at the highest standard," Horton said. "It's an investment in people who deserve it." This marks another significant step in Sheriff Horton's continued effort to improve morale, retain experienced personnel, and recruit the next generation of public servants to the Etowah County Sheriff's Office. The Etowah County Detention Center is looking to hire several more employees. If you are interested, please seek an application from the Etowah County Personnel Department at 800 Forrest Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901.
James Chester Moore, age 53 of Fyffe, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance • Jonathan Cody Morgan, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Jordan Nathaniel Cole Battles, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency One Accident with Three Injuries • An accident occurred at Wallace Ave NE and Desoto Pkwy NE, Jared Matthew Benefield, age 30 of Flat Rock driving a 2012 GMC Sierra, struck Nathan William Brisendine, age 47 of Fort Payne, driving a 2010 Nissan Altima. A 10 year old juvenile male and 52 year old Rachel Seagro, passengers in the GMC Sierra, along with Michelle April Finley, age 50 and passenger in the Altima were transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. August 17, 2025 No Incidents and Five Arrests • Stephen Chadwick King, age 18 of Henagar, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Timothy Lee Smith, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Albaro Allen Luna, age 19 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Heather Kristine Pruitt, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication • Jason Scott McBride, age 49 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency Four Accidents with No Injuries August 18, 2025 No Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 3500 Gault Ave N, a hatch on a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was damaged, valued at $500.00 Two Arrests • Sherry L Schreij, age 47 of Boaz, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Emily Ann Swindell, age 37 of Nahunta, GA, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency Four Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and Interstate 59, Charles Vence Wooden, age 35 of Dawson, driving 2018 Nissan Murano, struck Arleigh Sprenger Rodgers, age 25 of Nyack, NY, driving a 2021 Hyundai. Rodgers was transported to Dekalb Regional August 19, 2025
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 106 45th Street NE, a bumper on a 2020 Chevrolet 1500 was damaged, valued at $1500.00 Three Arrests • Christian Kaczur Hart Swain, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Timothy Robert Carter, age 40 of Pisgah, was arrested for Public Intoxication • Angel Ulises Fernandez Ogaz, age 22 of Sylvania, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing Justice Using a False Identity and a Warrant for Outside Agency Two Accidents with No Injuries August 9, 2025 Incidents • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 202 Greenhill Blvd NW, a door and fender panel were damaged on a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, valued at $2000 No Arrests and No Accidents August 10, 2025 No Incidents One Arrest • Teddy Jerome Wills, age 71 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency No Accidents August 11, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Heath Wendell Evans, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence • Pleas Amber Edwards, Jr, age 52 of Collinsville, was arrested for Public Intoxication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance Four Accidents with No Injuries August 12, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 23 Stewart Court Circle SE, a tire on a 2016 KIA Forte was damaged, valued at $80.00 Three Arrests • Dakota Bobby Jackson, age 28 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Jennifer Lee Bone, age 45 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Brandi Ann Matzler, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication Two Accidents with No Injuries August 13, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Keon Isaiah Jajuan Walker, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence • Jake Ryan Carter, age 27 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency Two Accidents with No Injuries August 14, 2025 No Incidents and One Arrest • Carter Bryant Pugh, age 21 of Northport, was arrested for Domestic Violence One Accident with No Injuries August 15, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, $40.00 in cash was taken One Arrest • Carter Bryant Pugh, age 21 of Northport, was arrested for Domestic Violence Two Accidents with No Injuries Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced that a former employee of the Alabama Medicaid Agency has been convicted for the theft of over $100,000 in public funds. Natalie Colette Lewis, 60, of Montgomery, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Theft of Property before Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid. Sentencing is set for October 2nd. Lewis faces up to 30 years imprisonment, a $60,000 fine, and forfeiture of her state retirement benefits. Lewis had been employed as a Medical Care Benefits Specialist, assigned to the Medicaid Agency’s Non- Emergency Transportation Division, since 2006. Lewis had three prior felony convictions when she went to work for the Agency, after lying on her state application for employment by stating that she had no prior convictions. She subsequently received a restoration of rights pardon in 2017 for those convictions. While employed at the Agency, Lewis was responsible for processing claims to reimburse Medicaid recipients for expenses incurred for their travel to medical visits. From December 2019 to November 2024, Lewis entered 1,631 claims for transportation expenses on behalf of her
No Incidents, and No Arrests One Accident with no Injuries
August 20, 2025
Incidents •
Damaged Property – Occurred at 3005 Chestnut Lane NE, a tree fell on a 2025 Ford Escape, valued at $25,000 One Arrest • Jamie LaDon Greathouse, age 39 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence One Accident with No Injuries August 21, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 150 Playcore Drive SE, two semi-trailers were damaged, valued at $2750.00 Two Arrests • Joshua Duane Allen, age 31 of Rainsville, was arrested for DUI and Resisting Arrest • Fidel Alexander Ramirez Lemus, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Underage Consumption of Alcohol Six Accidents with No Injuries son, a Medicaid recipient, for medical appointments that never took place. In total, Lewis received $103,413.26 for these fraudulent claims and spent the money on personal expenditures “Public service is a responsibility, not a personal financial opportunity. When employees violate that duty for personal gain, it is a direct assault on the taxpayers of Alabama,” stated Attorney General Marshall. “We will continue to hold anyone accountable who defrauds the system, exploits taxpayer resources, or undermines the integrity of public trust.” The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the matter after the theft was discovered by the Medicaid Agency. Attorney General Marshall thanked officials at the Agency for their quick action in reporting the theft after it had been discovered. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Nathan Mays. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding—$1.2 million in FY2024—through an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Former State Employee Convicted For Theft of Over $100,000 from Alabama Medicaid Agency
‘Back to School, Back to Safety’ Campaign Yields More Than 700 Traffic Stops
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) successfully concluded its “Back to School, Back to Safety” enforcement making its presence known across the state as students returned to classrooms. The initiative, led by ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, focused on reducing dangerous driving behaviors in and around school zones to protect children, educators and the community. During the enforcement period, ALEA Troopers conducted a total of 741 traffic stops, resulting in 575
citations and 350 warnings. The most common violation was speeding, with 330 citations and 277 warnings issued specifically for drivers exceeding posted speed limits in or near school zones. “Troopers did an outstanding job throughout Alabama by ensuring visibility and taking enforcement action in critical areas near schools,” said Hal Taylor. “Their efforts undeniably influenced driver behavior and reinforced the importance of slowing down where it matters most.”
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