Dothan Police Department UPDATE: Narcotics Unit began a forged prescription investigation in November 2011

The Dothan Police Department Narcotics Unit began a forged prescription investigation in November 2011. During the investigation it was determined that Teresa Johnson, used her position as a former employee at a doctor’s office to illegally obtain prescription medication by having accomplices call in medication which she then called in without authorization from a doctor. Police were contacted by an alert pharmacist who noticed a discrepancy in a prescription which launched the full investigation. Investigators uncovered numerous offenses at several local pharmacies. Police say they arrested Johnson on February 21, 2012 and one accomplice on February 22, 2012. Investigator said one additional arrest was made today bringing the case to a close.  

Dothan Police Department Narcotics Unit began a forged prescription investigation in November 2011

The Dothan Police Department Narcotics Unit began a forged prescription investigation in November 2011. During the investigation it was determined that Teresa Johnson, used her position as a former employee at a doctor’s office to illegally obtain prescription medication by having accomplices call in medication which she then called in without authorization from a doctor. Police were contacted by an alert pharmacist who noticed a discrepancy in a prescription which launched the full investigation. Investigators uncovered numerous offenses at several local pharmacies. Police say they arrested Johnson on February 21, 2012 and one accomplice on February 22, 2012. An investigator also said at least on additional arrest is expected before the case is closed.  

·        Teresa Hope Johnson, white female, 45 years of age, of Hartford, Alabama was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime with a $2,500 bond.

·        Stacey Dene Boston, white female, 43 years of age, of Hartford, Alabama was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime with a $2,500 bond.

Rachel Clay, white female, 33 years of age, of Geneva, Alabama is WANTED for Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime. Police are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspect to call the Dothan Police Department or CrimeStoppers 334-793-7000.

Dothan Police Department responded to a burglary at the Dothan Rescue Mission

On February 19, 2012 the Dothan Police Department responded to a burglary at the Dothan Rescue Mission. During the burglary a safe, electronics and cash were taken. Investigators have been working on the case this week and say they have now made an arrest bringing closure to the case.  

The Dothan Police Department would like to thank Dale County Sheriff’s Office and Midland City Police Department for their assistance with this case.

·        Andrea Garrison, white female, 23 years of age, of Midland City, Alabama was arrested and charged with Third Degree Burglary with a $2,500 bond.

GEORGIA Woman dies after home catches fire

A 69-year-old Columbus woman was found dead after her house caught on fire.
Authorities were called to the scene at Marathon Drive shortly after 8 pm Wednesday night.
Muscogee County's deputy coroner tells News Leader 9, Erell Williams was in the house by herself.  Her body is being sent to Atlanta for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Meantime, Columbus police say the fire does not appear to be suspicious and the cause is still under investigation.
We'll have the latest information as soon as it becomes available. 

9 year old child dies after grandmother makes her run for 3 hrs for lying GRANDOTHER ARRESTED FOR MURDER

By Associated Press
ATTALLA, Ala. (AP) - At the end of a dirt road leading to a doublewide trailer in rural Alabama, authorities say 9-year-old Savannah Hardin was being forced to run for three hours as punishment for having lied to her grandmother about eating candy bars. The severely dehydrated girl had a seizure and died days later, her death ruled a homicide.
Her grandmother and stepmother who police say meted out the punishment are in jail, facing murder charges Wednesday.
Witnesses told deputies that Savannah was told to run and not allowed to stop for three hours on Friday, an Etowah County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said. The girl's stepmother, 27-year-old Jessica Mae Hardin, called police at 6:45 p.m., telling them that Savannah was having a seizure and was unresponsive.
Neighbor Rodger Simpson said he saw a little girl running at around 4 p.m., but didn't see anybody chasing or coercing her.
"I saw her running down there, that's what I told the detectives," Simpson said from his home on a hill overlooking the Hardins. "But I don't see how that would kill her."
Authorities are still trying to determine whether Savannah was forced to run by physical coercion or by verbal commands. Deputies were told the girl was forced to run after lying to her grandmother, 46-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard, about having eaten the candy, sheriff's office spokeswoman Natalie Barton said.
Savannah Hardin died Monday at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The sheriff's release says the autopsy report showed the girl was extremely dehydrated and had a very low sodium level. A state pathologist ruled it a homicide.
The sheriff's office received calls from concerned citizens who had witnessed the running. No other details were released.
Gail Denny and her husband Phil, live just up a dirt road from the home. They've known the family since they moved to the area in northeastern Alabama seven years ago.
The Denny's say they were used to seeing Savannah and other neighborhood children out waiting on the school bus in the morning. Gayle said her grandson had a crush on Savannah.
"My grandson asked her to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day, and she said 'yes,'" Gail said before dissolving into tears.
The trailer where Savannah lived with her father, Robert Hardin, and stepmother was surrounded by a wooden fence, playground equipment and toys. Neighbors say they never saw children playing in the yard.
Neighbors tell The Associated Press that Garrard owned a lot of property along the road and much of her family lived in homes on that property.
"It seems like a very happy extended family around here," Denny said. "There are mothers, grandmothers, kids. It sounds like a punishment that got out of hand."
Denny had brought a candle to the Hardin property and lit it beside a stuffed animal surrounded by roses.
Garrard and Jessica Mae Hardin are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center, each on a $500,000 cash bond.
Court records show that Robert Hardin filed for divorce in August of 2010. In his complaint, he asserted his wife was bi-polar and of had alcoholic tendencies. He accused her of previously having run off with the couple's own child.
In her response, Jessica denied all of Robert's allegations.
Five months after filing for divorce, the two asked a judge to dismiss their case.
Savannah Hardin was a third-grader at Carlisle Elementary School. Superintendent Alan Cosby said her desk had been turned into a makeshift memorial where her classmates could leave notes and mementos. He said counselors and social workers were made available for students.
"This is obviously a very tragic, devastating, heartbreaking situation," Cosby said. "Nothing like this has ever happened before."

firearm assault at Club Prime Time, 230 East Powell Street

On February 18, 2012 the Dothan Police Department responded to a firearm assault at Club Prime Time, 230 East Powell Street. Investigators worked tirelessly on this case and say the shooter has been arrested. The investigation revealed the suspect and victim were fighting in the club. Both parties exited the club and continued to fight outside of the club after which the suspect retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and fired at least three shots towards the victim who was hit once in the leg. Another patron of the club was not involved in the fight, but was in the vicinity when shots were fired and was struck in the arm and leg. Both victims were treated at a local hospital for moderate injuries. The suspect, Tavis Banks was located at an apartment in Johnson Homes and apprehended by a police canine.  Banks was charged with Attempted Murder and First Degree Assault bringing the case to a close.

·        Tavis Banks, black male, 24 years of age, of Johnson Circle was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and First Degree Assault with bonds totaling $600,000.

Parents Need Help Finding Missing Boy

name is Austin Harvill, he is 16 years old, 5’9  & has dirty blond hair. He was last seen last night. If anyone has seen him they may contact his step-mom, Julie, 334-791-6709 or his dad , Neil 334-791-5014

ENHANCED 911 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING *** Work Session*** Wednesday, March 7, 2012

ENHANCED 911 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
*** Work Session***
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
2:00 P.M.
Sakado Room
Dothan Civic Center, Second Floor
ROLL: Benton___ Corbin___ Hughes___ Matthews___ Nall___ Pilcher___
Stewart___ Stokes___ Williams___
1. Communications from the Interim E-911 Systems Coordinator.
2. Update on pending E-911 legislation by Mr. Lon Jones, Enterprise E-911 Coordinator.
3. Discussion and Questions reference pending E-911 legislation.
4. Adjournment.

DOTHAN POLICE ISSUES ROAD WAY CLOSURE ADVISORY FOR FEB 18TH , 2012

The Dothan Police Department would like to issue a roadway advisory for February 18, 2012.

On February 18, 2012 from 8:00 am through approximately 12:00 pm the Southeast Alabama Community Foundation will be hosting a one half marathon fund raising event.  The route for this run will occupy a number of roads in the Brentwood and Woodlands subdivisions as well as several other more heavily travelled roads.

John D. Odom Rd. from Whatley Dr. to Murphy Mill Rd .will have a reduced width northbound lane and the eastbound lane of Murphy Mill Rd. from John D. Odom Rd. to Montgomery Hwy. will be closed.  These roadways will resume normal travel at approximately 9:30 am.

Dothan Police Department officers will be on hand to assist the public with necessary detour instructions.  Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution and be aware of runners

Lieutenant  CT David

Dothan Police Department

Traffic Division Commander

O- 334-615-3695

C- 334-726-9676

Gabe Watson Murder Trial: Scuba Diver Says He Saw Husband Hold Bride Underwater

Jurors will hear more about the final moments of Tina Thomas Watson's life, just one day after a diver said he saw the 26-year-old newlywed's husband hold her underwater, shortly before she drowned to death.
Stanley Stutz, a Chicago emergency room doctor, was diving in Australia in 2003, near defendant Gabe Watson. He testified Thursday that he saw Watson clutching his new wife before she sank to the ocean floor, The Associated Press says.
Stutz told the Alabama courtroom that he saw the woman flailing in the water. Then, Watson swam over and wrapped his arms around her for about 10 to 30 seconds.
The prosecution argues that the defendant was restraining his bride, to murder her. Stutz, however, thought Watson was attempting to help the woman, who may have been unable to handle the rigorous dive.
"Then they split apart," Stutz said, according to The Courier-Mail. "After, he went to the surface. She sank."
Watson is charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors in his home state say he drowned his wife on their honeymoon to collect a life insurance payout. The defense maintains that Tina, in her first open water dive, panicked and died accidentally. He served 18 months in Australia for manslaughter.
Ken Snyder, a Marine on the dive, testified earlier that he was furious that Watson left his wife in the water, according to The Birmingham News.

Snyder also testified that he didn't believe Watson's explanation that she slipped away from him, because she panicked and allegedly dislodged his mask.
"That's bull s**t," Snyder said he told Watson. "That didn't happen."
Other divers testified that Watson, a certified rescue diver, broke a basic scuba-diving rule that all novices know.
"You don't leave your buddy unless they're dead, or they're trapped and you can't get them loose without assistance," testified Doug Milsap, according to The Birmingham News. "But if you can retrieve your buddy, there's no excuse for leaving."
However, some of the divers testified that current was strong, perhaps supporting an earlier claim by Watson that Tina was struggling underwater.
The prosecution says Watson plotted his wife's death before they got married.
Snyder's wife, who was also on the dive, said he seemed "panic stricken" when she saw him on the boat after Tina drowned, according to The Courier Mail. Later, he looked like he was in shock.
The defense played portions of an interview between Watson and Australian investigators, The Birmingham News says. During the video clip, he occasionally became emotional. The defense hopes it will counter the prosecution's argument that he was a plotting killer.

SPECIAL REPORT: The search for Lori Ann Slesinski

BY:AUBURN, AL (WTVM 9)

The disappearance of Lori Ann Slesinski has been one of the most disturbing cases for the Auburn Police Department.
A missing person's case that is almost six years old.
"We were first made aware of the situation on Tuesday, June the 13th of 2006. Lori's mom came down and reported to us that she had not seen or heard from her for several days" says Auburn Assistant Police Chief Paul Register.
Register is all too familiar with this case.
He says when word about Slesinski's disappearance reached police, the investigation officially started.
"At that point we immediately began to seek out and talk with acquaintances of hers and friends that she did things with, and of course unable to locate her."
But what police did locate four days after Lori's disappearance was her 2005 Mazda Tribute burned to the frame off of Dekalb Street in Auburn.
"We did retrieve that vehicle, did and extensive examination of it, and not only us but we included the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and did a lot of work with that and still maintain custody of that vehicle today". We still have it, says Register.
Once the fire was extinguished investigators stated there was no evidence that anyone was inside the car when the fire started.
Which took police back to square one.
Register says, "At this point we still do not know the whereabouts of Lori. That's something we desperately want to find out for the family."
And no one is dealing with the stress of this case more than Lori's mom Arlene Slesinski.
"Not knowing is a living hell," says Slesinski,
Slesinski also says, "I have no idea. Lori had no enemies at all. I hope she's still alive. I'll put it to you that way. As a parent you will always have hope."
Captain Tom Stoffer with the Auburn Police Department says,"Her mom is handling this as any mother would that has a missing child.
He says this kind of case can be very difficult for a family to endure.
"Having three children of my own I could not imagine what Mrs. Slesinski is going through, so we want to bring closure to that family and we're going to keep our nose to the grindstone until we get the answers that we need to bring closure to this case and give the answers to Mrs. Slesinski that we feel she deserves,"says Stoffer.
"I just feel in my heart that they are trying everything in this case, that they are working on,"says Lori's mom Arlene Slesinski.
According to police, it was out-of-character for Lori to just disappear without a trace and that's where the public comes in. If you have any information you can offer police regarding this disappearance, it would be of great help to them.
"There maybe someone who have information that could be that one piece of the puzzle that makes us unable to turn the corner in this case. We just urge anyone with information, how rival they may think it is just to contact us and let us be the judge of what is important and what is not,"says Register.
Although this case is approaching its sixth year, police do not consider it a cold case.
Register says "None of our cases actually are considered that way and once our case is assigned to an investigator it remains with that investigator until such time that a conclusion is reached with it."
When News Leader 9 asked if Lori may have simply ran away from home, police were not convinced.
"Her behavioral pattern, the fact that she had a job, the fact that she maintained close contact with her family with her friends, she had just purchased a vehicle she had a pet at home that she tended to regularly. All those things considered and the fact that all of that stuff ended at one time. Would lead us to believe that it maybe something more than just a missing person's case,"says Stoffer.
"She would never do that. She would never leave her little dog that she left. We were close. If there was something bothering her I'm sure she would have told me,"says Slesinski.
According to police, the last time Lori was ever seen again was a few days before she was reported missing.
"During our investigation we determined that the last time she was seen by family or friends was that Saturday evening June 10th,"says Register.
Even though an investigator has been actively working this case since day one, investigators desperately need your help.
"We've gotten the information out there in a variety of ways. So we're just doing everything we can to make the public aware of any situation and hope that the person who may know something and not understand the significance of it may come forward and give us that piece of information that can put us over the top,"says Register.
Lori Ann Slesinski vanished when she was 24 years old.
In 2006, she was described as having blonde hair, about 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds.
If you know anything about this missing person's case you are asked to call the Auburn Tip Line at 334-246-1391 or Crime stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.
If your information can help police close this case a reward will be offered.