Dothan,Laurel Oaks employee Jeffery Scott McCarter, sentenced to 30 years for raping 15 yr female patient

Jeffery McCarter

The mother of a convicted child molester collapsed in the courtroom on Wednesday and repeatedly screamed out "oh God, oh God" as the judge sentenced her son to 30 years in prison.

Circuit Court Judge Michael Conaway sentenced Jeffery Scott McCarter, 40, to the prison term for the rape of a 15-year-old girl, who was a patient at Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center, where McCarter worked.

A jury found McCarter guilty of felony second-degree rape last month.

“You abused that trust by preying upon a troubled child,” Conaway said.

After Conaway announced the sentence, several of McCarter’s family members burst into tears, including his mother.

Assistant District Attorney Andy Robinson asked the court for the maximum sentence. He said McCarter faced 15 years to life in prison, which was an enhanced sentence because he had two prior felony convictions. Robinson said both of those convictions were drug charges.

“He was in a position of power,” Robinson said. “He was in charge of taking care of her at Laurel Oaks.”

Robinson said the offense happened in a linen closet at the facility, which is located on East Cottonwood Road in Dothan

According to the facility’s website, the center is a 100-bed psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center for children and adolescents, ages four to 18.

McCarter apologized to the court for his actions just before Conaway announced the sentence.

“I do a lot in the community. I made a bad decision,” McCarter said. “I would like to have a chance to reestablish myself in the community.”

Attorney Derek Yarbrough asked the court for a minimum sentence. He said his client was fired from Laurel Oaks after the incident.

“He’s trying to better himself,” Yarbrough said. “There’s no way he can undo it and take it back.”

Bridgett McCarter, Jeffery’s wife, who testified on behalf of her husband, said her husband had completed a degree as an avionics technician.

“I’m asking for leniency,” Bridgett McCarter said. “I do know Scott is a very good person. He’s always been a quiet and sensible person.”