January 2026 Print Edition
A LABAMA L EDGER Providing News From Northeast Alabama and Around the State Since 2020 January 2026 12 Pages FREE TAKE ONE!
Cardinal Promise Gadsden State Community College has launched the Cardinal Promise, a new scholarship campaign designed to make higher education more accessible for students across the region by significantly reducing tuition costs and expanding scholarship opportunities. Through the Cardinal Promise, students who have earned a high school diploma or GED may qualify for 50% off tuition, helping remove financial barriers for individuals seeking to start or continue their college education. In addition, 2026 graduating high school seniors who have completed at least six credit hours of dual enrollment at any institution are eligible to receive 75% off tuition, creating a clear and affordable pathway from high school to college. “The Cardinal Promise reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are and making college attainable for every family,” said Alan Smith, president of Gadsden State Community College. “Cost should never be the reason a student delays or abandons their educational goals.” The Cardinal Promise works alongside Gadsden State’s existing financial aid programs and a wide range of additional scholarship opportunities available to both current students and graduating high school seniors. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, technical or career-related accomplishments, leadership and extracurricular involvement, and talents in areas such as fine arts or athletics. “Our goal is simple,” Smith said. “We want students to see Gadsden State as an affordable starting point that leads to real opportunity, whether that means entering the workforce or continuing toward a four-year degree.” Students are encouraged to explore eligibility requirements, deadlines, and scholarship options by visiting www.gadsdenstate.edu/scholarships or contacting the Office of Financial Aid via email at finaid@gadsdenstate.edu or by phone (256) 549-8284. As lawmakers begin the new legislative session for 2026, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is calling for the swift passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act to prioritize the safety of Alabama’s children. “When it comes to safeguarding our state there is no higher priority than protecting Alabama’s children,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “The passage of the Child Predator Death Penalty Act will provide the strongest legal shield possible for the most vulnerable of our society, our children. Their precious lives, and Alabama’s future, depend upon their preservation and we must not let them down. I call on lawmakers to pass this urgently needed legislation as soon as possible so I can sign it into law.” The Child Predator Death Penalty Act (HB41 & SB17), sponsored by state Rep. Matt Simpson and state Sen. April Weaver, would toughen Alabama’s criminal penalties for those who are convicted of felony sexual crimes against a child. Going forward, crimes of first-degree rape, first- degree sodomy and first-degree sexual assault of victims under the age of 12 would automatically become capital offenses punishable by death. “I would like to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support of HB 41 and her continued commitment to public safety and protecting Alabama’s children,” said Representative Matt Simpson. “This legislation makes clear that the most heinous crimes against children will be met with the strongest penalties allowed under the law. Alabama will not tolerate crimes that permanently devastate the lives of its youth, and those who commit these terrible acts must be held accountable.” The necessity of increased legal protections for Alabama children was brought to light last year after eight persons were arrested and charged with the rape, trafficking and sexual torture of at least 10 children held captive in Bibb County. Some of the victims were as young as three years old. "Our duty as a society should be to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said Senator April Weaver. "The Child Predator Death Penalty Act should serve as an effective deterrent, keeping children safe from the unthinkable acts of child predators. I want to thank Governor Ivey for her strong support for this much- needed legislation.” If passed by both houses and signed by the governor, the Child Predator Death Penalty Act would become effective October 1, 2026. Child Predator Death Penalty Act
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Education Leaders Recognized Etowah County School Superintendent of Education Dr. Alan Cosby was recognized for year's of service prior to the varsity boys Etowah County Basketball Tournament Championship on Friday, January 16, 2026 in Southside. Etowah County School Board members Tim Womack, Scarlett Farley, Jay Freeman, Danny Golden, Tim Langdale, Susan Spiker, and Amanda Johnson were also recognized during the ceremony. The group was joined by other local Educators, including several principals from various high schools in Etowah County. Find out which teams won this year's Etowah County Basketball Tournament inside this issue. Noah Campbell To Run for Marshall County Revenue Commissioner
Lifelong Albertville resident and business professional Noah Campbell has announced his candidacy for Marshall County Revenue Commissioner, citing a commitment to conservative values, accountability, and strong customer service. A fourth-generation Marshall Countian, Campbell said he is running to ensure county government operates efficiently and treats taxpayers fairly. “Marshall County deserves a Revenue Commissioner who believes in fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and transparency,” Campbell said. “This office should work for the people and protect taxpayers.” Campbell graduated from Albertville High School, Snead State Community College, and The University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in Commerce and Business Administration with honors. Since 2019, he has worked for Wilks Tire and Battery as a Government and Commercial Sales Representative, managing budgets, contracts, and customer service across Alabama and Georgia. Campbell is active in local civic and Republican leadership, serving as President of the Marshall County Republican Club, Chairman of the Marshall County Young Republicans, a member of the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee and President of the Marshall County Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. He is also a member of the Albertville Rotary Club, graduate of The Marshall County Leadership Challenge, and was appointed by the Marshall County Legislative Delegation to serve on the Legislative Discretionary Fund Committee.
Submitted Photo
“I believe the Revenue Commissioner’s office should be run with honesty, common sense, and respect for every dollar,” Campbell said. “I would be honored to earn the support of the people of Marshall County.” Campbell and his wife, Erika Connell, live in Albertville and attend Albertville First Baptist Church. For more information, visit ElectNoahCampbell.com
Father and Son Indicted For PPP Loan Fraud and Tax Evasion
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced the indictments of two Birmingham men, a father and son, on charges related to alleged Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud and tax evasion. Sebastian Alexander Carrillo, 54, an employee of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, was served with his indictment Friday afternoon at the Jefferson County Jail and posted $20,000 bond. His son, Sebastian Alexander Gideon, 27, also was served with an indictment Friday afternoon at the same location and posted an identical bond. The indictments resulted from a joint investigation by the attorney general's office and the Alabama Department of Revenue. Marshall's Special Prosecutions Division presented evidence to a Jefferson County grand jury on Dec. 9, 2025. Carrillo faces one count of first-degree theft by deception for allegedly obtaining $20,415 from the Paycheck Protection Program under false pretenses. He
also faces three counts of attempting to evade or defeat income tax on unreported income for tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Gideon is charged with first-degree theft by deception for allegedly obtaining $18,123 in PPP funds under false pretenses. He also faces two counts of subscribing to a false tax return for tax years 2020 and 2021, and one count of attempting to evade or defeat income tax on unreported income for tax year 2022. The theft charges are Class B felonies carrying sentences of two to 20 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections and fines up to $30,000. Attempting to evade or defeat any tax is an unclassified felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Subscribing to a false tax return is an unclassified felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. No further information about the investigation or alleged crimes can be released at this time.
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PAGE 2A January 2026
Gadsden State Summer & Fall 2025 Graduates
• Guntersville – Finley Baker and Cristian Hernandez San Juan • Harpersville – Makasia Crawford • Heflin – Victoria Conkle, James Fuller, Mallory Grubbs, Riona Jordan, Saige Kennedy, Casey Lail, Kayleigh Lee, Ana McVay, William Morrow, Hailey Sparks, and Brittany Wheeler • Henagar – Isabella Shelley • Hokes Bluff – Joshua Carr, Railey Colvard, Kelci Garmon, Jessica Gray, Elijah Heath, Macie Robertson, Nena Stephens, and Thomas Stevens • Hoover – Kelsi Wilson • Jacksonville - Ethan Arflack, Leah Burgess, Tristan Burgess, Autumn Carr, Garrett Cranmer, Jonathan Dickson, Alexis Duran, Hailey Frye, Kara Grace, Tristan Green, Tracy January, Olivia King, Michael Mabry, Annie Mullinax, Joshua Parris, Raymond Roberson, Pamela Scott, Erin Smith, Victoria Turner, Eric Wilkerson, Aliyah Williams, and Andrew Wright • Kingston, GA – Mckayla Stanley • Leeds – Alexia Alonso-Diaz • Leesburg – Seth Helms, Bailey Kilgore, Matthew Livingston, Chelsea Nichols, Ashley Privett, Anna Smith, Rylin St. Clair, and Courtney Wilson • Lincoln – Emma Bohannon, Elizabeth Groce, Chasity Holland, Erika Meza, Savannah Pointer, Jayden Ramsey, and Ciara Spencer • Lineville – Joshua Davis, Jessie Hornsby, and Luke North • Menlo, GA – Memery Gwin • Millerville – Lakerra Barclay • Montevallo – Tyreese Stoutermire • Munford – Bryaneisha Bradford, Dalen Cunningham, Ashley Joyce, Dylan Parker, Cassandra Ponder, and Ashley Swinford • Newell – Ayla Biaggini • Odenville – Lauren Brasher and Brandon Davis • Ohatchee – Jacob Brewster, Terry Brown, Ellie Carden, Margie Elliott, Israel Hawkins, Abigail Read, KaSandra Smith, Nickoles Stephens, Carlie Jo Thrasher, and Destiny Turner • Oneonta – Gracelyn Price • Opelika – Brooklyn Lagoy • Orange Beach – Anthony Grigsby • Oxford – Kilby Barefoot, Leslit Basilio Cuevas, Elizabeth Caldwell, Lacy Campbell, Brandon Champion, Jon Denney, Fiona Dong, Ashley Elam, Erica Ford, Alyssia Garrett, Peyton Harris, Kristal Hayes, Jody Hyatt, Zaccheus Johnson, Dianne Lenori, Jesus Olivarres, Dashia Parker, Richard Potter, Valorie Ray, Mercedes Rodriguez, Mattison Sirmon, Jackson Sprayberry, Isabell Strickland, Jessica Stringer, Lily Taylor, Sherry Williams, Ashley Wolf, and Jackson Wyatt • Pell City – Joseph Capuano, Curtis Collins, and Katelyn Muncher • Phenix City – Tiearia Fariss • Piedmont – Erin Adderhold, Justice Angle, Buffy Bailey, Shasta Benitez, Morgan Brown, Victoria Cantrell, Kenneth Dodd, Ethan Floyd, Yuqian Gan, Sarah Goss, Meadow Gossett, Kaydence Harrison, Hannah Howell, Anna Jenkins, Karsyn Kirk, Jonathon Moody, Amelia Nixon, Anna Pace, Emilee Parris, Bailey Partner, Shannon Rasool, Brooklyn Reid, Crimson Sims, Leah Tolbert, Breana Webb, & Tracy Williams • Prattville – Alexis Renn • Ragland – Logan Watts • Rainbow City – Catherine Anderson, Jessa Barnes, Ciara Bowers-Jones, Robert Brooks, Kristy Cooper, Monique Curry, Koby Dillard, Jaden Duran, Haleigh Graves, Julianna Hayes, Kristin Hays, Breunna Holt, Jakylyn Holt, Virginia Horton, Kokou Hounkpati, Saydee Kilgore, Dyamond McCadney, Tshegofatso Moeng, Manci Patel, Ethan Tolson, and Sidney Vance • Rainsville – Kevin Corona and Jeffery Keith • Ranburne – Gabrielle Benefield, John Caldwell, and Jean Matthews • Rock Spring, GA – Amber Cruise • Rome, GA – Linda Brawley, Ashton Brewster, Jessica Dillard, Devin Herod, Anel Jacobo, Tricia Kines, Brooklynn Mincey, Abbie Roberson, Alexis Russell, Lizbeth Terry, Gabriela Vasquez, Misty Ware-Gordon, and Brianna Watkins • Sand Rock – Savannah Mayes • Sardis – Jacob Beck • Silver Creek, GA – Brittney Carter and Ashlie Watson • Southside – Drake Albury, Meredith Bain, Elanor Battle Krusick, Lauren Boyd, Emily Howell, Michael Hyland, Meredith Keener, Cayden McCord, Logan Perkins, Jackson Sims, Deannia Spiller, Britney Stephens, Alyssa Streefkerk, Phillip Ulrich, Sheena Wallace, and Tristan Wrage • Springville – Lauren Blake, Natalie Davis, Olivia Holland, and Peyton King • Steele – Ariel Miller • Summerdale – Colton Ziegler • Summerville, GA – Dustin Fitzgerald, Ivy Middleton, Kiley Smith, & Madison Smith • Sylacauga – Amari Headen • Talladega – Hareem Averitte, Nicholas Butler, Olivia Deloach, Kimberly Gurley, Alexis Miller, Danielle Reynolds, Raiesha Seals, Madeline Thomas, Haley Townsend, and Misty Walker • Temple, GA – Judith Timmons • Tuscaloosa – Royce Anderson • Valley Head – Savannah Hall • Villa Rica, GA – Katie Dukes and Keon Thomas • Weaver – Jacob Benefield, Alison Calhoun, Hayden Dothard, Rachel Etheridge, Ethan Fair, Eva Foley, Cheryl Hendrickson, Alita Hill, Elizabeth Johnson, Angel Le, and Sierra Smith • Wedowee – Kya Carter, Alma Looney, and Sara Roman • Wellington – Behegbin Djesse, Kirsten Heathcock, and Parice Norris • Woodland – Leah Williamson
Gadsden State Community College honored graduates from the Summer and Fall Semesters during commencement on December 18 at Gadsden State Cherokee. The College recognized 558 students who successfully completed the requirements for associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates, earning a total of 913 credentials. There were 188 students honored for their academic achievement with traditional cords signaling the level of honor they achieved. In total, 45 students received the highest honor by graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.9-4.0 GPA wearing a gold cord to signify their exceptional academic success. Additionally, 55 students graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.7-3.89 GPA receiving a red cord. Recognized as Cum Laude graduates for a 3.5-3.69 GPA were 52 students earning a red and gold cord. A group of 36 students graduated with distinction for earning a certificate while maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA. These students received a red and black cord for their hard work. The graduates are: • Albertville – Evelyn Francisco, Jose Garcia, Jose Hernandez Casillas, William Morton, Giaus Spurgeon, and Alleigh Wilkerson • Alexandria – Grayson Freeman, Jasper Hall, Tucker Kilgore, James Lewis, George Mink, Tamara Rollins, Justin Smith, Madison Studdard, and Emma Wills • Altoona – Kristen Eller, Dalton Garmon, Kathryn Grayson, Makenna McKee, Kara Reynolds, Viridiana Saucedo, Zachary Stewart, and Jacob Watts • Anniston – Imani Afford, Kyndal Alvarez, Yashua Arevalo, Unrayia Barclay, Gavin Barnes, Joshua Beasley, Tyler Bell, Nakia Birdsong, Melissa Bohorquez, Rachel Bonnett, Kailen Bradley, Francesca Brown, Brock Burns, Jordan Campbell, Grace Chastain, Gwendolyn Chinchilla-Bryant, Lauren Cleveland, Kenneth Collins, Britney Conway, Justin Crandall, Tyler Doggrell, Landon Dotson, Sean Yvor Gabrielle Echipare, Ashton Elder, Shaylynn Forsyth, Cartrica Foster, Alyssa Green, Caden Hartsfield, Kalid Heard, Abigail Heathcock, Georgina Hernandez, Briana Horn, Demetria Houston, Jasmine Houston, Gregory Hunter, James Hyche, Savannah Johns, Rayven Kelley, Roxanne Kotlowski, Dale Layton, Aundrea Longmire, Deborah Magouirk, Sydney Marion, Laura Martin, Dayjah Matthews, Letecia Melson, Kyla Miller, Shayla Millwood, Hala Mohammad Mustafa, Victoria Monroe, Lisa Montgomery, Makala Nolen, Raegan Nunez, Olivia Overholtzer, Jakeyon Peters, Maci Preston, Piper Price, Ashlynn Puckett, Ray Ragland, Yair Rios, Ariel Rivera, Kacey Sandstrom, Sholanda Scott, Taran Seymour, Carson Spurlin, Rebecca Surrett, Kayleigh Thomas, Cassius Thompson-Fairs, Mackenzie Thrasher, Latrentis Turner, Ashley Vise, Felix Waldrop, Steven Wells, Selena Whitman, Griffin Wilburn, and Katelyn Willis • Arab – Kathryn Langley • Ashland – Tanner Adamson, Savannah Bowling, Jaylen Foster, Markel Seymour, and Kobie Traylor • Ashville – Halli Black, Suzanna Brock, Montana Campbell, Alexis Daily, Adam Lopano, and Jordyn Morris • Attalla – Jeffery Baty, Mary Boley, Tiffany Brock, Colton Cagle, James Clark, Josynez Gamez, April Hammonds, Hannah Hufstetler, Macie Hunt, Brooklyn Jones, Sydney Jones, Madison Kelley, Jaken Lindsey, Ethan Logan, Cassandra McDaris, Kaitlyn Nelms, Abigail Nelson, Kylee Roden, Kaylee Rogers-Lee, Sarah Scarborough, David Smith, Matthew Vasser, and Jennifer Wynn • Bessemer – James Ingle • Birmingham - Ashley Berry, Hadassa Da Costa Pereira Dourado, Kimberly Norman, and James Wright • Boaz – Lori Barnes, Nijai Bolden, Brian Carnes, Leilani Cazares, Jenifer Contreras, Lauren Daves, Juan Diaz Gonzalez, Courtney Garmany, Breanna Jacobs, Christopher McCurley, Payton Mintz, Amara Oaks, and Dillon Owens • Bremen, GA – Becca Monroe and Laura Teater • Bryant – Kelsey Cooper • Cedar Bluff – Caridean Bakes, Natalie Baty, and Nathaniel Wells • Cedartown, GA – Mindy Easterwood, Maria Escutia, and Madison Hollis • Centre – Joseph Brown, MaKayla Chandler, Yolonda Harp, Hannah Harper, Briley Hincy, Ally King, Kimberly Lambert, Joseph Lockridge, Emma Mohler, Emalee Morrison, Ashton Roberts, A’leeyah Rooks, Allison Russell, and Laney White • Chelsea – JaNa Moore • Collinsville – Jadyn Foster, Emma Matthews, Faviola Mendoza Ortiz, Lexi Sanderson, and Colton Wills • Courtland – Montrevion Kellogg • Cropwell – Haleigh Capuano, Summer Cornelius, Caitlin Kennedy, and Marissa Ritten • Crossville – Kaleigh Butler, Kayla Lindsay, and Cody Woods • Cullman – Bella Gingrich • Dallas, GA– Hector Gomez • Delta – Sarah Ford and Amber Newborn • Eastaboga – Kelly Dunn, Destiny Isbell, Kylie Kiker, and Sharon Mays • Fairhope – Victoria Wolfe • Fort Payne – Will Abernathy, April Avalos Rico, Cherri Burt, Jephthah Calixto Nunez, Allison Davis, Jessica Goza, Kennedy Henderson, Jocelyn Liles, and Kelsie Martin • Fruithurst – Holly Cochran and Jasmine Morris • Fyffe – Emma Bethune and Bradley Luker • Gadsden – Avelardo Agustin Berduo, Rain Barron, TaShanuna Barton, Shelly Bishop, Evan Brand, Gabriel Brito, Ugochukwu Buchi-Ahiabuike, Kira Butler, Riley Carmack, Erik Cattling, Brandon Cervantes, Carsen Chesnut, Nicholas Clark, Belvajean Collom, Conner Croft, Gabrielle Dixon, Gregory Farmer, Amy Frohock, Lucas Gamblin, Aguilar Gaspar, Brandon Gilbert, Serenity Gover, McKenna Hale, Alan Hartman, Maleke Harvey, Ashley Hawk, Derik Henson, Alyah Jackson, Thomas Jackson, Alexandria Johnson, Gracie Johnson, Kerryl Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Chasity Jones, Ashley King, Erin Kirby, Anneabella Kirkland, Destiny Lezotte, Chaeli Little, Daniel Lopez Vasquez, German Malone, Arielle McBride, Terri McCain, Seth McConnell, Ronan McFadden, Elizabeth Moore, Tyler Mostiller, Dearrius Myers, Chloe Nichols, Dalton O’Bryant, Zakaiya Pace, Andre Patterson, Brenda Payton, Emily Perez, Jakob Pope, Elyza Powell, Nia Presley, Isabel Ramos, Mason Robinson, James Rutledge, Bethany Sandridge, Brianna Sandridge, Kayla Schoenlein, Kathrine Shaneyfelt, Anna Shook, Danasha Simpkins, Ashley Sjoerdsma, Keller Skaggs, Kathryn Smith, Thearse Stocks, Celeste Taylor, Maggie Thacker, Katlyn Thomas; Samantha-Lynn Thomas, Destiny Tuck, Neanna Turner, Makayla Waters, Jaylin Wehunt, Otis White, Layla Williams, Taveyah Williams, Makya Wilson, McKinley Wilson, Taylor Witt, Clinton Woody, James Yohe, Rosita Zendejas, and Daniella Zikpi • Gallant – William Clark, Lelah Rogers, and Abigail Smith • Gardendale – Chandler Petix and Tyra Sellers • Gaylesville – Carrington Nails, Victoria Slayton, Jennifer Strength, and Amber Whitaker • Glencoe – Maghan Alford, Ashley Baccus, Kaleb Barber, Emilyn Cornelius, Kaylee Higdon, Judson Littlejohn, Savannah Rogers, Phillip Simmons, Kayla Stamps, Anna Stanley, Peyton Thompson, and Shelby Tullis • Goodwater – Tiffany Higgins
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PAGE 3A January 2026
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Electronic Solicitation of a Child Arrest
A Boaz man has been arrested for Electronic Solicitation of a Child. According to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton, on January 8, 2026, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and Etowah County District Attorney's Office, served an arrest warrant and an Etowah County search warrant at a residence located at Maple Drive in Boaz. As a result of this operation, James Eric Sitz, age 50, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office for Electronic Solicitation of a Child. The arrest stems from a proactive undercover investigation that began in August 2025 and continued through the present. During the investigation, Sitz believed he was communicating online with a 14-year-old female which was an undercover persona operated by a Baldwin County Sheriff's Investigator. Investigators also identified information linking Sitz to a separate undercover investigation conducted by a law enforcement officer in West Virginia. During a post-arrest interview, Sitz admitted to engaging in inappropriate online communications with the undercover persona. Multiple electronic devices in his possession were seized that possibly contained child sexual abuse material, depicting young teenage girls. It's also believed several underage individuals with
whom he had interacted online, some of whom were located within approximately one hour of his residence. Additionally, investigators say evidence shows instances in which he solicited nude images from live underage victims, indicating the potential for additional charges related to the production of child sexual abuse material. At the time of the news release, Sitz was in the Etowah County jail, where he was awaiting extradition to Baldwin County. The investigation and prosecution are being supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, the Etowah County District Attorney's Office, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Baldwin County District Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Alabama. These agencies will continue working together on prosecution, case coordination, victim identification, and additional investigative steps. "This arrest is the result of a proactive, long-term investigation and strong cooperation between local, state, and federal partners. Protecting our children is a top priority, and we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them. I am proud of the work done by our investigators and partnering agencies in this true team effort, and we will continue doing everything possible to safeguard our communities and our youth," said Sheriff Horton.
This morning, January 12, 2026, I walked into the DeKalb County Courthouse and officially qualified to run for re-election as your Sheriff. I didn’t walk in alone. My family was with me. So were deputies, staff, and friends who believe in this office and the work we’ve done together. That mattered to me. Nearly eight years ago, I asked for your trust. I didn’t promise perfection. I promised effort, honesty, and results. Today, I’m asking you to let me keep doing the job. I’m in my second term as Sheriff and I’m running for a third. I bring over 25 years in law enforcement, but more than that, I bring a deep commitment to DeKalb County. When I first ran, I wasn’t chasing a title. I believed this Sheriff’s Office could be stronger, tougher on crime, and better for the people it serves. We proved that. Over the last eight years, we built a Sheriff’s Office that works. We created and expanded Major Crimes. We built an Aviation Unit. We strengthened ICAC to protect children. We implemented the Shining Star program for special needs citizens. We expanded access to the public gun range and stood firm for the Second Amendment. We added more deputies, drug task force agents, and investigators than ever before in this county. We increased patrol visibility. We ran saturation and interdiction operations. We gave our deputies better training, better equipment, and better backing. And because of that work, DeKalb County has seen record drug arrests, record child crime arrests, high case closure rates, and one of the strongest solve rates among Sheriff’s Offices in Alabama. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we showed up, we held the line, and we did the work. But I’ll be clear. We’re not done. There’s more to build. More to fix. And more to protect. Being Sheriff isn’t about managing crime. It’s about fighting it. It’s about standing up for victims, protecting our kids, backing our deputies, and doing what’s right even when it’s unpopular. Not everyone is going to agree with every decision I make, and I’m okay with that. I answer to the people of this county, my conscience, and God. I’m a graduate of Sylvania High School. My wife Audra and I are raising our four kids on our family farm in Sylvania. This is home. I don’t take that lightly. I’m running again because I still believe in this county and in this badge. My commitment hasn’t changed. I’ll lead with integrity. I’ll be transparent. I’ll put God first. And I’ll keep this office focused on results, not politics. I’d appreciate your prayers, your support, and your vote. We’ve come too far to turn back. Nick Welden Sheriff, DeKalb County DeKalb County Sheriff Qualifies for Re-Election
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BUSINESS MEETINGS Randy Jones was recently sworn in as Alabama's Representative on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors during a ceremony inside the historic Guntersville Dam. President Donald Trump nominated Jones for the position this past May. The US Senate confirmed Mr. Jones in December. His term will end on May 18, 2028. The Cherokee County Commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, January 26 at 5 p.m. The Commission will meet again on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. The Leesburg Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2. A work session will start at 4:30 p.m. The Gaylesville Town Council also meets on the first Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on February 2. The Sand Rock Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sand Rock Town Hall. The City of Centre holds its council meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held on February 10 at 5 p.m. The Fort Payne City Council meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. and the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Meetings are held in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall located at 100 Alabama Ave NW. Business for consideration is scheduled and placed on the agenda through the Office of City Clerk. The deadline for adding agenda items is the preceding Wednesday at 12 Noon. Anyone wishing to address the council should request to be placed on the agenda. Meetings are open to the public To list your upcoming business meeting here please send the information to alabamaledger@gmail.com. New TVA Director
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The following Death Notices are published as a courtesy of the Alabama Ledger and local funeral homes. To include more info, or a photo of your loved one, in a future edition of the Alabama Ledger contact us at 256-506-7368. Extended obits start at .20 cents per word and $10 per photo. D eath Notices Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com Adams Brown Service Funeral Home Alice Faye Yarbrough Copous, age 82, of Lamar, SC Ellen Elizabeth Warren, age 89, of Horton Charles Edwin Taylor, age 79, of Horton Diane Mobley, age 79, of Albertville Dudley "Dee Dee" Adams, age 80, of Albertville Jimmy Ray Davis, age 91, of Albertville Charles Edward Rainwater, age 92, of Albertville Terri Lynn Peel, age 65, of Albertville Lester Gilbert Bonds, age 73, of Guntersville Betty Dobbins Falkner, age 93, of Albertville Lewis Frankie Corbin, age 74, of Horton David Mark Moore, age 65, of Guntersville Rickey Wayne "Mortaki" McCollum, passed away at age 69 Charlotte Denise Green, age 55, of Albertville Glenda Ann Thornbury, age 83, of Albertville Benjamin Adam Roland, age 69, of Albertville Andrew Wayne Edmondson, age 47, of Guntersville Adams-Buggs Funeral Home in Gadsden Amos Dewayne Cash, age 52, of Gadsden Effie Dean Davis Williams, age 79, of Albertville Zeffer Dates Jr., age 74, of Gadsden Candace Shropshire, age 38, of Cartersville, Georgia Mattie Louise Woody, age 77, of Gadsden Albertville Memorial Chapel Marlin C. Gillilan, age 80, of Boaz Mary Lois West, age 87, of Albertville Mary Louis Camp Owens, age 89, of Springville Beverly Sue Watts, age 89, of Boaz Effie June Posey, age 93, of Boaz Ivonne Chavez Orduna, age 47, of Albertville Michael Eugene "Tiny" Taylor, age 67, of Albertville Shirley Hornsby Chaffin, age 90, of Albertville Cory Waylon Dalrymple, age 47, of Boaz Janice Ann Robertson Belles, age 68, of Boaz Jerry Wayne Clay, age 83, of Boaz Burt Funeral Home Zachary Jones Newmann, age 31, of Mentone Carlton Wayne Higgins, age 69, of Fort Payne Sandra Jo Stoltz Wright, age 79, of Collinsville Dominique Marie Laferty, age 24, of Fort Payne Curtis Wayne Roden, age 77, of Valley Head Louise Spillman Fugatt, age 88, of Dogtown Noah T. "Jack" Gilbreath Jr., age 87, of Fort Payne Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville Rita Bradt, passed away at age 64
PAGE 4A January 2026
Cornerstone Funeral Chapel in Ider Barbara Hutton Brown, age 85, of Ider William Lynn "Poppa Lynn" Pittman, age 65, of Bryant Phyllis Marie Johnson Pippin, age 76, of Ringold, GA Vera Sue Hawkins, age 86, of Gaylesville Wanda Lorene Dunn, age 64, of Trenton, GA Stephen Crawford Chitwood, age 56, of Cedar Bluff Mary Ella Pelham Johnson, age 83, of Ider Terry Glenn Garren, age 56, of Stevenson Theresa Ann Doherty, age 74, of Pisgah Noah Robert "Smo" Smothers, age 14, of Henagar Mark Gerald Heckel, age 64, of Bridgeport Margaret Janette Lance, age 69, of Higdon Shirley Ann Williams, age 66, of Flat Rock Rebecca Faye Nelson, age 63, of Ider Linda Gibson Dillard, age 68, of Ider Barry Scott Young, age 44, of Section Shelley Gwynne Hale, age 72, of Rainbow City Michael Clark Harrison, passed away at age 57 Norma Carolyn Christian, age 76, of Gadsden Wilson "Pete" Abel, age 70, of Gadsden Thelma Janice Thornton, age 79, of Rainbow City Carolyn Schroeder, age 79, of Gadsden Crestwood Funeral Home in Gadsden Jimmy Lamar Davis, passed away at age 72 Henry E. Livrett, age 85, of Rainbow City Phyllis Ann Barnes, age 80, of Rainbow City Georgia Eugenias, passed away at age 93 Robert Kenneth Wigley, passed away at age 55 Terry Sue Bonds Silvey, passed away at age 86 John Hammock, age 85, of Gadsden Glenda Fay Oswalt, passed away at age 81 William Rodney Martin, age 72, of Glencoe Crossville Memorial Chapel Leoncio Gonzalez Beltram, age 90, of Crossville Kyla Beth Fant Guice, age 55, formerly of Crossville Phillip Wayne Brown, age 66, of Crossville Etowah Memorial Chapel Jerry Earl Jones, age 82, of Rainbow City Annette Dorsett, age 60, of Boaz Joseph Louis "Cookie" LaFlamme, age 68, of Crossville Anthony Lance "Tony" Horton, passed away at age 75 Marie Verly, age 67, of Albertville Margie "Fay" Chandler, age 98, of Gadsden Frances Jean Dobbins, age 55, of Boaz Raymond Lynn Holmes, age 56, of Attalla James Jason Mitchell, age 49, of Attalla Bob Jones, age 66, of Gallant Aubrey Wayne Lasseter, age 80, of Boaz Marie Mayo Mosley, age 89, of Sardis Linda Fay Davis, age 78, of Boaz Peggy Elaine Blackmon Bowen, age 83, of Carlisle James Anthony Batie, age 66, of Guntersville Pamella Michele Autwell, age 54, of Sardis Gary Clanton, age 61, of Boaz Charles Arnold Dansby, age 77, of Cullman Savannah Ruth Coffey, age 92, of Rockledge Danny Couey, age 67, of Boaz James R. "Ronnie" Hayes, age 80, of Gallant Geraldine Funeral Home Ray Lane, age 88, of Geraldine Gober Funeral Chapel in Arab Jacob Alexander King, age 14, of Arab Nellie Moody Blackwood, age 81, of Blountsville William Rosten "Bill" Darmer, age 80, of Arab Kimberlee Dawn Pezzeca, age 47, of Arab Roy Wayne Alexander, age 77, of Blountsville Paul Glenfield Atchley, age 60, of Arab Martha Jane Mason, age 90, of Arab Sarah Mavis Lemons, age 90, of Arab Martha Aron, age 76, of Arab Barbara Ann McWhorter Gaspard, age 78, of Helena Ray Kelley, age 82, of Union Grove Dewitt Peek, age 79, of Arab Shawn Murphree, age 48, of Blountsville Elene Hopson, age 97, of Baileyton John Lester "JL" Parker, passed away at age 85 Kerby Funeral Home Brenda Sue Gravitt, age 77, of Valley Head Deborah Darlene Brazier, age 68, of Cario, Georgia Betty R. Schmars, age 88, of Rosalie Marshall Memorial Funeral Home Kimberly Ann McCarty passed away at age 58 Kayla Star Wise, age 25, of Boaz McRae Funeral Home Gail Malone, age 88, of Boaz Edna Parrish, age 82, of Guntersville Cathy Riggins, age 79, of Boaz Darryl Wade McWhorter, age 61, of Boaz Amber Patterson, age 34, of Albertville Susan Beck, age 62, of Decatur Larry Edward Roe, age 78, of Boaz Infant Atlas Rylie Bolding passed away Portia Lacey Ballentine, age 84, of Boaz Betty Parrish Bouldin, age 89, of Boaz Richard Polk, age 84, of Boaz William Homer Massingill, age 76, of Horton Mary Ann Pankey Watts, age 85, of Boaz Monteen Murdock Fortson, age 87, of Boaz Jane Ann Hatley, age 86, of Geraldine Bertha Alene Smith, age 90, of Geraldine
Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory Patricia Ann Moses McClellan, age 80, Attalla Morgan Rae Colvin, age 33, of Ashville Phillip Wayne Bryant, age 58, of West End Sarah Lucille Roberts, age 93, of Ashville Alexandria Lachelle White, passed away at age 36 Manguben R. Patel, age 80, of Gadsden Andy Floyd Nix, age 85, of Gadsden Jerry Donald Morgan, age 82, of Albertville Rev. Curtis C. Fuller, passed away at age 90 Randall Nick McAlister, passed away at age 55 Alenka Lankford Smith, passed away at age 79 Peggy Imogene Sharpton, age 97, of Pensacola, Florida Cynthia Ledbetter, age 91, of Gadsden Phillip Jonathan Nix, passed away at age 72 Mary Nell Banks, passed away at age 87 Carmen Marie Douglas, age 43, of Attalla Diane McMurrey Swindall, age 60, of Ashville Perry Funeral Home In Centre Melinda Allen Cushing, age 71, of Collinsville Phillip Dale Stansell, age 66, of Arab Jerry Alvin Edgeworth,age 83, of Rome, Georgia Thomas Elvin Jacobs, age 82, of Sand Rock Betty Ruth Abernathy Harrelson, age 84, of Centre Reynolds Fredrick Madden, Jr., age 82, of Centre John Henry Sanders, Jr., age 85, of Centre Shirley Ann Credeur, age 66, of Jacksonville Lola Belle Dorsett, age 95, of Cedar Bluff Donald Wayne Floyd, age 75, of Center Coach Buddy Roy Knapp, Jr., age 81, of Center Delinda Bean, age 81, of Rainsville Vernon Luke Bryant, age 85, of Section Myra Dann, age 57, of Rosalie Cathy Morgan Blevins, age 70, of Fort Payne Infant Gentry Pate Murdock, age 3 days, of Grove Oak Odeller Chambers, age 71, of Centre Helen Clements Smith, age 84, of Rainsville Mary Etta Bailey, age 78, of Rainsville Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne Alvin McKinney Hughes, Jr., age 93, of Fort Payne Nancy Mae Norris Tcherneshoff, age 91, of Fort Payne Ronnie Glenn Bevel, age 72, of Fort Payne Jerry Wayne Burt, age 79, of Fort Payne Randall W. Brisendine, age 70, of Fort Payne Stephen Louis Sampley, age 68, of Fort Payne Nathan Luke Brown, age 21, Mount Vernon Mitchell Wade Dorsett, age 14, of Fort Payne Edward Charles Williams, age 75, of Fort Payne Jimmie Vincent Ceasar, age 77, of Collinsville Health Care Tina Marie Gilbreath Hairel, age 58, of Fort Payne Glenda Gail Brown, age 77, of Leesburg Rebecca Lynn Taylor, age 66, of Centre Sherrie Lou Laird, age 79, of Centre Rainsville Funeral Home Sylvia Gray, age 94, of Fort Payne David Putnam, age 74, of Henagar Carolyn Ann Wester, age 78, of Fort Payne Jerrie T. Alexander, age 84, of Collinsville Sepp Etterer, age 81, of Mentone Sadie Cummins Creech, age 84, of Grove Oak Peggy Nell Veal, age 70, of Fort Payne Mary Helen Burt Massey, age 90, of Fort Payne Phillip Paul Prater, age 61, of Fort Payne Jeremy Lee Black, age 49, of Fort Payne Tina Michelle Kirtland, age 57, Fort Payne W.T. Wilson Funeral Home Ralph Lynn Hart, age 58, of Crossville Katherine Willoughby Brown, age 94, of Crossville Rhonda Gurley Patterson, passed away at age 70 Joseph James Carrague, age 78, of Crossville Eric Paul Selvage, age 63, of Rainsville Conchetta Dewayne Hudson, age 64, of Albertville Donna Jean Woods, age 63, of Rainsville Larry Wayne Harris, age 69, of Fyffe James David Monroe, age 80, of Fyffe Janice V. Stewart, age 74, of Section Glenda Faye Smothers Cunningham, age 67, of Martlin Herbert Levoid Poe, age 77, of Valley Head Samuel Richard Moss, age 69, of Birmingham Forrest Aubrey Champion, age 67, of Fort Payne Glenda Sue McSpadden, age 76, of Fort Payne Carey L. Galloway, age 68, of Albertville Kimberly Kay Jolley, age 65, of Dawson Marcus James Crawford, age 57, of Stevenson Sarah Faye Justice, age 77, of Geraldine Jimmy Ray Berry Sr., age 71, of Scottsboro Avice Elaine Pearson, age 98, of Rainsville Laura Beth Swords, age 47, of Albertville Branalyn Maxwell, age 51, of Rainsville Norman Rodney Smith, age 72, of Rainsville Gretta Lynn Gulledge, age 71, of Boaz Frank Patton, age 75, of Geraldine Reggie Eugene Dempsey, age 49, of Dutton Billy Max Gilbert, age 89, of Dutton Danny Carl Brown, age 76, of Rainsville Kenneth Joseph Gyuricz, age 77, of Guntersville Herman Stephen Hughes, age 67, of Crossville Frances Wynell Heaton, age 88, of Rainsville Didier Rosario Madrid, age 51, of Fort Payne William Kaleb "Cotton" Gilbert, age 18, of Dawson Donald Lee Hollis, age 61, of Crossville Nevan Ashner Hall, age 22, of Sylvania Michael Alan Elshire, age 79, of Fort Payne Arthur David Bryant, age 53, Princeton William E. "Bill" Cardwell, age 73, of Rainsville
Rev. Bob W. Hunt, age 92, of Guntersville Kenneth Dale Wilson, passed away at age 95 Frank Lee Cox, age 73, of Arab Stevie Lee Noblitt, age 52, of Highpoint
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home
Betty Lemons, age 73, of Centre John Douglas Hinton, age 62, of Rock Run Tracy Oaks, age 65, of Centre Shirley Ann Battles, age 89, of Cedar Bluff Patricia Laughton, age 76, of Cedar Bluff Francine Colley Young, age 71, of Centre Pamela Davis Myrick, age 70 of Centre Virgil E. Umphrey, age 68, of Sand Rock Carl O. Abner, age 88, of Centre Linda Alice Jackson, age 76, of Gaylesville Joyce Ann Harrell, age 73, of Cedar Bluff Jeffery Lee Lewis, age 63, of Gaylesville Darlene Mackey Maddox, age 73, of Centre John Edd Robinson, age 80, of Centre Councilman Tom Wall, age 70, of Cedar Bluff Collier-Butler Funeral Home Barbara Ann Haney, passed away at age 90 Lynn Hawkins King, passed away at age 80 Benny Denmond Hood, passed away at age 76 Larry Mitchel Troup, passed away at age 80 Janet Carol Tucker, age 84, of Gadsden Allen Hawkins, age 68, of Rainbow City
Gary Wright, age 83, of Lawrenceville, Georgia Infant Terry Kash Matthew Weaver passed away Millicent Mitzi Burroughs, age 90, of Gadsden George Marion "Babe" Silvey, Jr., age 96, of Rainbow City Albert Maurice Andrepoint, age 77, of Rainbow City Michael Stephen Guyton, passed away at age 73 Stanley Keith Crowley, age 69, of Southside Billie Carolyn Gates Clokey, passed away at age 97 John Matthew Guest passed away at age 58 Deborah Ann Lind Barkley, passed away at age 55 Jimmy Lane Lyles, age 58, of Albertville Doris M. Lusher, age 75, of Gadsden C. Todd Wright, age 60, of Gadsden Eric Wayne Heard, age 68, of Gadsden Robert Larry Crowe, age 85, of Pell City Nina Ruth Miller, age passed away at age 84 Collinsville Funeral Home Jerrie T. Alexander, age 84, of Collinsville Priscilla Diane Tucker McClure, passed away at age 78
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PAGE 5A January 2026
Fort Payne Police Department 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. December 12, 2025 Incidents • Burglary – Occurred at 1709 Gault Ave N, an Apple iPhone was taken, valued at $1400.00 • Damaged Property – Occurred at 502 Crystal Lake Drive NE, a window and roof on a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban was damaged, a windshield on a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe was damaged, a utility pole and cable were damaged and an internet cable, valued at $20,800
Paraphernalia • Jason Robby Glenn Bolt, age 28 of Cullman, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Laura Brittany Coker, age 36 of Collinsville, was arrested for Theft of Property No Accidents December 29, 2025 No Incidents and One Arrest • Erwin Flores Sanchez, age 32 of Collinsville, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear Two Accidents with No Injuries December 30, 2025 Incidents • Left of Lost Property – Occurred at 401 Gault Ave N, a wallet and contents were taken, valued at $950.00 One Arrest • Brittany Taylor Smith, age 30 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency Three Accidents with No Injuries December 31, 2025 No Incidents, No Arrests and No Accidents January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day) No Incidents and Two Arrests • A 17 year old juvenile male of Fort Payne was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Tyler Burt, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI Five Accidents with No Injuries January 2, 2026 Two Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 2500 Sylvania Gap Road NW, a chain link fence was damaged, valued at $1000.00 • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $330.60 Four Arrests • Cheryl Ann Blackwell, age 44 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Alexis Louise Dollar, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property • Brandon Tyler Henderson, age 30 of Lyerly, GA, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • William Charles Sparks, age 35 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property Six Accidents with One Injury January 3, 2026 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 1808 Gault Ave N, a mailbox was damaged, valued at $50.00 One Arrest • A 16 year old juvenile male of Fort Payne was arrested for Domestic Violence No Accidents January 4, 2026 No Incidents and Three Arrests • Timothy Clifton Smallwood, age 53 of Albertville, was arrested for DUI • Tilmon Henry Martin Jr, age 47 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Three Warrants for Failure to Appear • Tylin Marlene Cisco, age 22 of Sylvania, was arrested on Two Charges of Domestic Violence Two Accidents with No Injuries Ja nuary 5, 2026 No Incidents and One Arrest • Julio Cesar Gamez Martinez, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence and Interference with a Domestic Violence Two Accidents with Injuries January 6, 2026 No Incidents and Four Arrests • Harold Wesley Thompson, age 51 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Breyona Dawn Evans, age 30 of Fyffe, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for Outside Agency • Joshua Duane Allen, age 31 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Assault and Menacing • David Aubrey Brown, age 33 of Auburn, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Two Accidents with No Injuries January 7, 2026 Incidents and Three Arrests • Steven Ray Lee Jr, age 28 of Dutton, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana • David Aubrey Brown, age 33 of Auburn, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance • Tina Michelle Rich, age 40 of Menlo, GA, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear Four Accidents with No Injuries January 8, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 400 3rd Street SE, a barricade was taken, valued at $300.00 • Damaged Property – Occurred at 100 Dekalb Plaza Blvd SW, an oil pan was damaged on a 2020 Honda Odyssey, valued at $300.00 Five Arrests • Julio Cesar Gamez Martinez, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Failure to Appear • Crena Michelle Black, age 22 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property • Braxton Lee Black, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property • Ricky James Scott, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency pm • Jamie Wayne Porter, age 54 of Grove Oak, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Two Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at 3rd Street SE and Turner Ave SE, Tanya Cheri Hall, age 52 of Fort Payne, driving a 2013 Tahoe, struck Leann Elizabeth Tyler, age 34 of Fort Payne, driving a Chevrolet Camaro. Passenger in the Camaro, Joseph R Norfleet, age 29 of Fort Payne, was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.
• Fraud – Occurred at 212 Brookwood Terrace SW, $1437.00 that was transferred was found to be a scam One Arrest • David Quinelle King, age 55 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear Two Accidents with No Injuries December 19, 2025 Incidents • Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle – two pocket knives were taken, valued at $40.00 Three Arrests • Brianna Charlene Barnett, age 26 of Anniston, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, DUI and Possession of Prescription Drugs • Ivan Johnathon Laferty, age 23 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Murder • Morris Cornelius Bynum, age 51 Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI Seven Accidents with one Injury • An accident occurred at I-59 and Glenn Blvd SW, Sergey Drozd, age 28 of Hixson, TN, driving a 2018 International, struck Clifford Hall, age 75 of Signal Mountain, TN, driving a 1997 Mercury. Passenger Sabrina Buckels, age 61 of Signal Mtn, TN, was transported to Dekalb Regional December 20, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2003 DeSoto Pkwy NE, a Christmas tree was taken, valued at $50.00 No Arrest and No Accidents December 21, 2025 No Incidents and One Arrest • Jonathan Blake Loftis, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence One Accident with No Injuries December 22, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Jose Eleazar Bamaca Mejia, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Combined Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Andres Pascual Andres, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI Three Accidents with one Injury • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and Dekalb Plaza Blvd SW, Conner Langley, age 27 of Fyffe, driving a 2007 Nissan XTE, left the roadway and overturned in a creek. Langley was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. December 23, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 230 Gault Ave N, a brick wall was damaged, valued at $10,000 One Arrest • Billy Wayne Millican, age 51 of Henagar, was arrested for Criminal Trespass Two Accidents with No Injuries December 24, 2025 No Incidents One Arrest • James Alan Craig, Jr, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Two Accidents with No Injuries December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day) No Incidents No Arrests, No Injuries December 26, 2025 Incidents • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 108 17th Street SW, a bird bath, bird feeder and solar power lights were damaged, valued at $345.00 One Arrest • Richard Anthony Williams, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana Two Accidents with Three Injuries • An accident occurred at Wallace Ave NE and 5th Street NE (Joe’s Truck Stop). Terrell Brannon Gilliard, age 48 of Charleston, SC, driving a 2000 Kenworth, struck Sue Allsup Beason, age 81 of Fort Payne, driving a 2015 GMC Terrain. Gilliard, Beason and passenger, Alton Lee Beason, age 83 of Fort Payne, were transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. December 27, 2025 Incidents • Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle and Theft of Property – Occurred at 7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE, a purse with contents was taken, valued at $335.00 • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 1014 Gault Ave N Lot B, a glass front door was damaged, valued at $350.00 No Arrest and No Accidents December 28, 2025 No Incidents and Three Arrests • Gregory Joseph Izaiah Beavers, age 19 of Rainsville, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug
• Damaged Property – Occurred at 305 Ruby Tuesday Lane, a door on a 2002 Ford F150 was damaged, valued at $500.00 • Theft of Services – Occurred at 1509 Glenn Blvd SW, two buffets were not paid for, valued at $34.84 Two Arrests and No Accidents • Ermitana Perez Andres, age 27 of Fyffe, was arrested for DUI • John Cruz Matias Andres, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol December 13, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Lost Property – Occurred at 1020 Glenn Blvd SW, an Apple watch was taken, valued at $249.00 One Arrest • Kimberly Dawn Rogers, age 43 of Piedmont, was arrested for DUI Two Accidents with Two Injuries • An accident at Wallace Ave NE and Pumpkin Center Road NE, Valerie Marie Connell, age 57 of Cedar Bluff, driving a 2024 Toyota Camry, struck a deer. Connell and passenger Brandon Dio Connell, age 32 of Gaylesville, were transported to Dekalb Regional December 14, 2025 No Incidents and Three Arrests • Jeffery Michael Spirko, age 42 of Goodlettsville, TN, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving Under the Influence of a Combined Substance • Amanda J Matthews, age 46 of Mentone, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Prescription Drugs and Possession with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia • Victor Manuel Mateo, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI One Accident with No Injuries December 15, 2025 Incidents • Theft by Deception – Occurred at 1950 Williams Ave NE, a phone scam occurred, valued at $4450.00 • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 1907 Gault Ave N, a truck bed on a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado was damaged, valued at $200.00 Two Arrests • Michael Darnell Carter, age 51 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct • Lisa Jean McKinney, age 57 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 5:20 pm One Accident with No Injuries December 16, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 240 55th Street NE Apt E-4, a birdhouse was taken, valued at $50.00 • Fraud - Theft of Services – Occurred at 2009 Lincoln Ave NE, a phone scam occurred, valued at $447.00 Two Arrests • Alto Terrell Moore, age 20 of Rome, GA, was arrested for Resisting Arrest and Obstructing Government Operations • Knowledge Justice Moore, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Obstructing Government Operations, Resisting Arrest and a Warrant for Failure to Appear Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at I-59 and Greenhill Blvd NW, Monica Lynn Bowen, age 28 of Northport, driving a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, struck a deer and left the roadway. Bowen was transported to Dekalb Regional December 17, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2011 Spring Drive NW, a 2014 Ford F250 was taken, valued at $17,000 One Arrest • Monique Jenea James, age 32 of Kennesaw, GA, was arrested for Fugitive from Justice Five Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Gault Ave S and 13th Street SE, Derrick Larry, age 57 of Huntsville, driving a 2018 98 Utility truck, left the roadway and struck a guide wire, street sign, and continued through grass, and a fence before striking a house. Larry was transported to Huntsville Hospital by Dekalb Ambulance Service. December 18, 2025 Incidents • Fraud/Scam – Occurred at 1201 Jordan Road SW, $694.00 was sent to a Bitcoin deposit
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