AU fire possibly caused by electrical malfunction

Auburn, Al.
Officials are still assessing damages to Auburn University’s Hargis Hall after a Thursday night fire the Auburn Fire Division said may have been caused by an electrical issue.

The fire, which began in the building’s attic space, caused moderate fire and water damage and displaced 15 administrative personnel in the school’s graduate studies offices.

Mike Clardy, director of communications in Office of Communications and Marketing, said the employees who work in Hargis Hall will be moved temporarily to the Office of Information Technology building and then to the basement of Langdon Hall until the end of fall semester.

Clardy said the extent of the damages is still unknown.

AFD Chief Lee Lamar said firefighters received the call just before 6 p.m. and upon arrival saw fire and smoke coming from the steeple window.

“The building’s sprinkler system activated, which activated the fire alarm,” he said.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire, but water weight from the sprinkler systems caused the ceilings of at least two office spaces directly below the steeple to collapse, Lamar said. Everyone in the building at the time of the fire escaped without injury.

Lamar said that as of Friday morning the building was in control of the Auburn University Facilities Division.

“We are looking at some electrical components in there and believe that’s probably going to end up being our cause,” Lamar said.

6th man charged in Montgomery Oak Park shootings case

MONTGOMERY, Al.
A sixth person has been arrested in connection with the Sept. 24 shooting in Oak Park that left eight injured, including children.
Laddarin McCall, 21, is charged with three felony counts of first-degree assault and three felony counts of second-degree assault.

Laddarin McCall

McCall was arrested late Thursday, after turning himself in to the U.S. Marshal's Task Force.
He was taken to the Montgomery County Detention Facility, where he is being held on bonds totaling $135,000.
Police arrested four men Sept. 27 in connection with the shooting before arresting a fifth man Sept. 29.
Marvin Nikia Gaston, Sandriquez Kadarious Hall, Thedeuss Darnell Jones, Otis Rashad Jones and Quintell Tarrance have all been charged in the case.
Bonds for both Gaston and Hall have been revoked since both are charged with felony murder in a separate incident from 2009.

1 dead after 5-car accident in Auburn

AUBURN, Al.
A five-car accident at the intersection of East University Drive and Shelton Mill Road in Auburn killed one and injured another.
The Auburn Police Division confirms 84-year-old Carlie J. Frank was killed when a 2005 GMC pickup collided with a 2007 Buick Lucerne in the intersection. Frank was a passenger in the Buick.
The 22-year-old driver of the pickup was taken to East Alabama Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Three other vehicles were involved in the accident. No other injuries were reported.
Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

U.S. Marshals looking for two women who escaped from Montgomery Women's Facility

MONTGOMERY, Al.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force is looking for two woman who escaped from the Montgomery Women's Facility early Friday.
Inmates Shonda Clayberger and Jada Julian didn't show up at their assigned job site midnight Friday.
Clayberger is 5'4, weighs 125, has brown eyes and blonde hair. She is serving a 10-year sentence for criminal possession of a forged instrument. A possible parole date was scheduled for March 2013.
Julian is 5'5, weights 150, has blue eyes and brown hair. She is serving an 18-year sentence for burglary and criminal possession of a forged instrument. She was set to be released Sept. 10, 2013.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the women are asked to call police.

Friday Night Football Scores

Friday's High School Football Scores 

Abbeville 14, Slocomb 6
Addison 63, Phillips-Bear Creek 20

Akron 34, Coosa Christian 7
Alexandria 39, Springville 29
Aliceville 53, Hale County 20
American Christian Academy 49, Billingsley 8
Andalusia 37, Straughn 3
Anniston 42, St. Clair County 7
Appalachian 57, Jefferson Christian Academy 6
Ardmore 26, Wilson 19
Ashford Academy 27, Lowndes Academy 6
Athens 38, Lawrence County 16
Austin 24, Gadsden 21
Autauga Academy 14, Sumter Academy 6
Autaugaville 42, Holy Spirit 6
Barbour County 27, Houston Academy 24
Bayside Academy 42, Trinity Presbyterian 9
Beauregard 21, Elmore County 20
Berry 38, Brilliant 6
Bessemer Academy 28, Prattville Christian Academy 12
Bibb County 14, Greene County 12
Blount 34, Dothan 15
Boaz 20, Southside-Gadsden 0
Bob Jones 51, Buckhorn 28
Briarwood Christian 44, Pinson Valley 10
Brooks 40, Priceville 21
Brookwood 14, Selma 10
Calhoun 28, New Brockton 18
Catholic-Montgomery 21, Excel 20
Cedar Bluff 54, Spring Garden 20
Center Point 33, Chelsea 21
Central-Florence 55, East Lawrence 18
Central-Phenix City 43, Auburn 26
Central-Tuscaloosa 63, Wilcox Central 13
Charles Henderson 42, Rehobeth 14
Clarke County 51, Montgomery Academy 20
Clarke Prep 48, Wilcox Academy 20
Clay County 33, Walter Wellborn 8
Clay-Chalkville 38, Pell City 21
Cleburne County 70, Locust Fork 40
Colbert County 24, West Morgan 13
Colbert Heights 33, Lamar County 28
Collinsville 28, Gaylesville 7
Cordova 39, Carbon Hill 12
Crenshaw Christian Academy 28, Lakeside School 27
Cullman 46, Mortimer Jordan 27
Dadeville 50, Holtville 14
Daleville 41, Pike County 7
Daphne 42, Robertsdale 21
Davidson 28, Baker 7
Decatur 35, Florence 14
Deshler 48, West Limestone 21
Dora 49, Oak Grove 6
Edgewood Academy 42, Springwood School 28
Elba 65, Zion Chapel 0
Elkmont 38, Danville 13
Escambia Academy 53, Southern Academy 6
Etowah 21, Arab 7
Eufaula 69, Carroll-Ozark 42
Evangel Christian Academy 39, Restoration Academy 28
Evangel Christian School 46, Hope Christian 8
Fairhope 45, Foley 34
Fairview 34, Crossville 8
Fayette County 24, Corner 10
Fort Dale Academy 37, Pike Liberal Arts 22
Fort Payne 31, Albertville 14
Fultondale 49, Falkville 2
Fyffe 42, Pleasant Valley 7
G.W. Long 49, Cottonwood 14
Geneva County 41, Florala 19
Geraldine 34, Brindlee Mountain 7
Glencoe 49, Ashville 0
Gordo 49, Sipsey Valley 13
Goshen 25, Samson 20
Greenville 30, Demopolis 14
Gulf Shores 20, Linden 14
Guntersville 31, Douglas 6
Haleyville 12, Midfield 8
Hamilton 51, Vinemont 7
Hanceville 55, Winfield 13
Handley 48, Central Coosa 12
Hartselle 55, Curry 7
Hayden 28, West Point 21
Hazel Green 20, Grissom 10
Headland 12, Ashford 6
Highland Home 35, Red Level 0
Hillcrest 55, Minor 0
Hillcrest-Evergreen 25, Bullock County 20
Hokes Bluff 41, J.B. Pennington 0
Holly Pond 42, Winston County 28
Hoover 41, Homewood 6
Hubbard 56, Tharptown 6
Hubbertville 36, Parrish 35
Hueytown 35, Fairfield 22
Huffman 26, Shades Valley 24
Ider 63, Ohatchee 7
J.O. Johnson 7, Lee-Huntsville 6
Jackson 55, Monroe County 8
Jackson Academy 20, Patrician Academy 12
Keith 37, John Essex 6
Kinston 38, McKenzie 36, OT
LaFayette 30, Reeltown 29
Lauderdale County 35, Sheffield 3
Leeds 51, Beulah 0
Leroy 14, Flomaton 13
Lexington 35, Hatton 21
Lincoln 35, Calera 9
Loachapoka 36, Fayetteville 27
Luverne 41, Geneva 18
Lynn 14, South Lamar 7
Madison Academy 35, Pisgah 0
Madison County 34, Scottsboro 21
Maplesville 47, Pickens County 26
Marbury 52, B.B. Comer 20
Marengo Academy 24, South Choctaw Academy 20
Marion County 56, Meek 8
McAdory 21, Pleasant Grove 3
McGill-Toolen 35, Satsuma 0
McIntosh 22, Fruitdale 10
Millry 31, Choctaw County 6
Mobile Christian 33, J.U. Blacksher 14
Monroe Academy 31, Glenwood 21
Munford 36, Childersburg 7
Muscle Shoals 24, Russellville 0
North Jackson 58, Butler 0
North Sand Mountain 35, New Hope 7
Northridge 48, Bessemer City 24
Oakman 42, West End-Walnut Grove 13
Oneonta 42, Jacksonville 6
Opelika 42, Enterprise 35
Opp 42, Dale County 12
Oxford 41, Hewitt-Trussville 27
Paul Bryant 28, Chilton County 20
Pelham 28, Thompson 16
Phil Campbell 37, Cherokee 23
Piedmont 46, Greensboro 18
Plainview 34, Randolph School 18
Pleasant Home 33, Georgiana 14
Prattville 45, Carver-Montgomery 12
Providence Christian 28, Houston County 19
R.C. Hatch 36, Francis Marion 20
Ragland 54, Jacksonville Christian 14
Ranburne 40, Horseshoe Bend 6
Randolph County 28, Lineville 21
Red Bay 38, Sulligent 6
Rogers 47, Clements 20
Sand Rock 46, Section 26
Saraland 24, Escambia County 16
Sardis 20, Sylvania 7
Shades Mountain Christian 37, Sunshine 0
Shelby County 28, Sylacauga 25
Shoals Christian 34, Hackleburg 14
Smiths Station 28, Northview 21
South Montgomery County Academy 13, Abbeville Christian Academy 12
Southern Choctaw 39, Cottage Hill 6
Southside-Selma 31, Dallas County 6
Spanish Fort 31, LeFlore 8
St. James 27, Alabama Christian Academy 24
St. Jude 38, Notasulga 18
St. Paul's 57, Citronelle 0
Stanhope Elmore 21, Sidney Lanier 6
Sumiton Christian 23, Cleveland 21
Sumter Central High School 63, Holt 6
Susan Moore 34, White Plains 7
Sweet Water 56, Marengo 0
T.R. Miller 21, Washington County 16
Talladega 10, Moody 7, OT
Talladega County Central 29, Verbena 14
Tallassee 40, Russell County 14
Tanner 62, Cold Springs 13
Tarrant 46, Good Hope 6
Theodore 35, Mary Montgomery 21
Thomasville 28, UMS-Wright 24
Thorsby 56, Central-Hayneville 42
Tuscaloosa Academy 39, East Memorial Christian Academy 7
Tuscaloosa County 21, Gardendale 13
Valley 49, B.T. Washington 19
Valley Head 49, Woodville 0
Vestavia Hills 20, Spain Park 14
Vigor 57, Faith Academy 13
Vina 43, Waterloo 14
Vincent 72, Isabella 42
Walker 53, Brewer 0
Weaver 29, Saks 19
Wenonah 19, Parker 2
West Blocton 36, Jemison 21
Westbrook Christian 37, Victory Chr. 12
Wicksburg 41, Ariton 20
Williamson 32, Baldwin County 14
Winterboro 60, Wadley 24
Woodland 50, Lanett 46
Woodlawn 20, John Carroll Catholic 11

Ala. ag chief recommends inmate labor for farms

MONTGOMERY, Al.
Alabama's agriculture commissioner, John McMillan, is suggesting farmers look at work-release inmates if they are experiencing labor shortages due to Alabama's new immigration law.
Some farmers have complained that Hispanic workers who traditionally harvested their crops have left and they can't find replacement workers.
A spokesman for the Department of Corrections says there are 2,300 inmates in the work-release program and they are available for all types of jobs, including farming. But spokesman Brian Corbett says the department can't attribute any increase in work-release jobs to the immigration law so far.
McMillan says he's talking with officials from the governor's office, Department of Corrections, and Department of Industrial Relations to find short-term and long-term solutions to farm labor problems.

Two people shot, Dothan Police need your help

Dothan, Al.

On October 6, 2011 the Dothan Police Department responded to a firearm assault just after 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of South Park Avenue and Fortner Street. Upon arrival, police learned three victims had been fired at by three suspects. Two of the victims were struck and received non-life threatening injuries, the first being struck in the right leg and the second being struck in the buttocks. The victims told police the suspects fired shots at them and then fled; all involved parties were on foot. The suspects were described as black male juveniles wearing all black. The first suspect was described as being 5’9 and 150 pounds while the second and third suspects were described as being 5’5 and 150 pounds. Police are asking anyone with information about the case or identity of the suspect to call the Dothan Police Department or CrimeStoppers 334-793-7000.

Dothan Woman arrested on theft charges after stealing from her mechanic.

Heather Parker, white female, 28 years of age, of Glenwood Street was arrested and charged with First Degree Theft of Property with a $5,000 bond. 

Heather Parker

On October 6, 2011 the Dothan Police Department made a felony arrest following a recent investigation. Police say Heather Parker was arrested on theft charges after stealing from her mechanic. The case investigation revealed the victim was working on the suspect’s car at his home and allowed her to wait inside his residence where she would be out of the heat. While inside, Parker took several expensive pieces of jewelry which she then sold. The case has been closed following yesterday’s arrest.

Fire at Auburn University's Hargis Hall under investigation

A fire in the attic space of Auburn University’s Hargis Hall Thursday evening has caused moderate fire and water damage and displaced 15 administrative personnel in the school’s graduate studies offices.

Auburn Fire Division Chief Lee Lamar said firefighters received the call just before 6 p.m. and upon arrival observed fire and smoke coming from the steeple windows of the building.

“The building’s sprinkler system activated, which activated the fire alarm,” Lamar said.

The sprinklers confined the fire to one spot as fire crews made entry into an attic area, extinguishing the fire. Water weight from the sprinkler systems caused the ceilings of at least two office spaces directly below the steeple to collapse, Lamar said.

Personnel were present in the building at the time of the fire but all escaped without injury, Lamar said.

“Hopefully by early next week, workers can get to other offices not affected by the fire, but several of them are going to be shut down for a while,” Lamar said.

Susan McCallister, AU associate director of public safety information and education, said while it is not known how long the graduate school’s administrative personnel will be displaced as a result of the fire, a location to relocate the staff has already been found.

Fire watch was posted Thursday night and the building will be turned over to AU facilities workers on Friday so they can begin repairs, Lamar said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

State Sen. Billy Beasley files bill to repeal Alabama immigration law

MONTGOMERY, Al.
Alabama Sen. Billy Beasley has filed a bill to repeal Alabama's sweeping immigration law, saying it is causing severe workforce shortages and problems in state courthouses and schools.

Sen. Billy Beasley

"The people in the agriculture community are not happy with it because they can't get workers. The folks in the courthouses are not happy with it. The folks in the school business are not happy with it," said the Democrat from Clayton.
Beasley said three other Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors of the proposed repeal, and he hopes more legislators will support the measure.
"I think there is a large contingent of folks who didn't realize what it was going to do," Beasley said.
However, Sen. Scott Beason, who sponsored the immigration law in the Senate, said he will fight attempts to undo or weaken the law.
"I can't imagine that anyone would want to repeal the bill," said Beason, R-Gardendale.
Beasley voted against the bill when it was before Alabama lawmakers. He said the new law has caused a "world of fear" for people in the Hispanic community.
"It's kind of a mean-spirited law," Beasley said.
Beasley said the law has caused workforce shortages in many industries, as legal and illegal immigrants leave the state. He said it also is causing long lines at courthouse and is putting an unfunded mandate on county jails to hold suspected illegal immigrants.
The Clayton senator said he also was doubtful the law would open up jobs for Alabamians because many people don't want the labor-intensive jobs the immigrants are performing.
But Beason said he believes the law is working.
"It's doing what it is supposed to be doing overall," Beason said.
He said the immigration law appeared to be moving an illegal workforce out of the state, and an adjustment period is to be expected. He pointed out the law has been in effect only six days.
He said he believes getting rid of illegal workers will create jobs for Alabamians. "Apparently a lot of people were working an illegal workforce," Beason said.
He added that legal immigrants have nothing to fear.
"If you are in the state illegally, you are going to have problems," Beason said.

Finebaum gets heated on ESPN's 'Outside the Lines' over Hank Williams Jr.

Three grown men, including Paul Finebaum, yelled at each other on television over ESPN's decision to end its relationship with country music singer Hank Williams Jr., who recently compared President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler on Fox News.

The Associated Press reports that Williams and ESPN each took credit for the decision Thursday morning to ax his popular song intro to "Monday Night Football." ESPN previously pulled the song after Williams' now-infamous analogy.

Finebaum appeared along with sportswriter Dave Zirin and sports radio talk show host Bomani Jones on the ESPN afternoon program "Outside the Lines" to discuss ESPN's decision to pull the song.

Things quickly got heated when Finebaum took his first opportunity to speak to bash Zirin's earlier comment that ESPN should have never affiliated itself with Williams because of his music's pro-Confederacy themes, including a song called "If the South Would Have Won," which Zirin referenced specifically.

Finebaum called that one of the stupidest things he's ever heard before defending Williams' right to express those opinions.

The Birmingham-based talk show host took issue with comments made by both Zirin and Jones, whom he said were spouting the same "condescending putdown of the South," each suggesting that no blacks listen to country music.

The satellite delay didn't help matters either, as all four men on the show, including the host, began yelling at once to make points and attempt to keep the discussion in order.

After his appearance on ESPN, Finebaum returned to his program, "The Paul Finebaum Radio Network," where he said he did not go into the segment with such a strong opinion. He said he thinks Williams made a stupid comment, but he does not think he ought be fired over it.

He then set his sights on Zirin again.

"I respect Dave, but that's the single stupidest thing I've heard on the show," Finebaum said. "I don't remember what else I said, and I don't think I really want to see it because I don't think I made a whole lot of sense because Zirin really ticked me off."

Finebaum did not sound particularly proud of the segment.

"It was Ricky Lake meets 'Outside the Lines,'" Finebaum said.

When Finebaum brought up the fact that his parents are from New York and that he has relatives who died during the Holocaust, Jones and Zirin each said that point had nothing to do with the reason they were appearing on the ESPN show.

"Dave Zirin and Bomani Jones don't have the right to insult every southerner," Finebaum said on his show. "Zirin insulted every soldier who fought for the Confederacy. I don't have relatives from the South, but I'm not going to let that person insult the good name of all these people because Hank Williams happens to be a country music star."

Referring back to the song "If the South Would Have Won" Zirin previously referred to on the show, Finebaum said, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, "It's too bad they didn't."

"I'm sure they'll never have me back," Finebaum said. "I'll be banned from ESPN for life."

Watch the video below.  Finebaum's segment starts at about 12:05 into the show.

WATCH HERE

Dothan teen pleads guilty in fatal dog beating

Geneva County, Al.

A Dothan teenager pleaded guilty this week to beating a puppy to death with a metal pipe.

Geneva County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tony Helms said James Spencer Yancey II, 19, of Dothan, pleaded guilty to the felony first-degree animal cruelty charge filed against him.

James Spencer Yancey II

Helms said Yancey entered a “blind” guilty plea to the charge, which means there was no agreed upon sentence as part of the guilty plea. Helms said Yancey will be sentenced on Dec. 6 for the class C felony crime, which carries a possible punishment of one to 10 years in prison.

Court records indicate Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Quattlebaum accepted Yancey’s guilty plea on Wednesday. Records indicate Quattlebaum remanded Yancey into sheriff’s custody pending a bail bond hearing.

Geneva County Sheriff’s deputies charged Yancey with beating a six-month-old Labrador retriever puppy named Bailey to death with a metal pipe in a field in Slocomb in November of 2010. The offense happened in a field not far from its owner’s home near Malvern.

Justin Kyle Goldsmith, 20, of Slocomb, was also originally charged but his case was no billed by the grand jury.

Mobile police searching for 3 men in home invasion

MOBILE, Al.
Mobile police are searching for three men in a home invasion that occurred early this morning in the 7800 block of Heaton Drive, officials said today in a news release.
Police said that at about 1 a.m., the victim and her husband were asleep in their bed when 3 men armed with handguns kicked in the front door. The gunmen demanded money and then left.
Both victims were struck in the head and the husband received a cut on his forehead during the robbery, Cpl. Christopher Levy, police spokesman, said. The husband went to a local hospital for treatment for the cut on his head, Levy said.
The first robber is described as a black male in his early 20s, with a dark complexion, between 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 150-160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark colored long sleeve shirt and dark colored jeans
The other robbers are both described as black males in their early 20s, police said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Mobile police at 251-208-7211 or Crime Stoppers at 251-208-7000 or send a text to 274637 and include CRIME 411.

Fire ruled accidental; survivors remain hospitalized

Haleyville, Al.
The parents and great-grandmother of a Haleyville child who was killed in a house fire Sunday morning remain hospitalized with serious burns, a family member said Wednesday.
In addition, Scott Pilgreen, deputy state fire marshal, released the cause of the fire.
“It is an accidental fire caused by combustibles too close to an electric wall-mounted heater,” Pilgreen said Wednesday. “Specifically, the couch was too close to the heater and caught on fire.”
Meanwhile, a fund has been established at all Traders and Farmers Bank locations to assist the family with expenses. The account is called the Justin Knight Family Fund.
Sailor Knight, 7, died in the fire, which was reported at 3:28 a.m. at the family’s 1811B 16th Ave. residence, officials said.

Sailor Knight, 7, died in the fire

The boy’s parents, Justin and Wendy Knight, and great-grandmother, Ethylene Teas, were injured trying to save him. Family members said Wednesday that Justin and Wendy Knight remained on ventilators.
Craig Knight, Justin Knight’s brother, said the three are at UAB Hospital’s Burn Unit.
“My brother has severe, severe injuries to his lungs,” Craig Knight said Wednesday afternoon, shortly after receiving an update from doctors. “It’s just touch and go right now.
“It’s day to day. His lung injuries are severe. Critical but stable is the best way to put it.”
Doctors believe Justin Knight’s burns will heel without surgery, his brother said.
Wendy Knight had surgery on her hands and face Wednesday morning. Craig Knight said her hands are the most severely burned part of her body. Doctors are hoping no more facial surgery will be necessary.
“She has injuries to her lungs, as well, although they’re not to the extent of Justin’s,” Craig Knight said.
He said Teas has severe burns to her left hand and arm and slight burns to her face, back and right hand.
“She’s 84, and they’re trying new procedures to hopefully not have to do surgery,” he said. “It’s borderline right now.
“The concern with all three is pneumonia setting in. That’s very common with people with burns. They said my grandmother already is showing signs of pneumonia.”
Meanwhile, family members are trying to cope with the loss of Sailor. Craig Knight said no funeral arrangements have been made.
“If there’s any way possible, we want his parents to make that decision,” he said. “We hope within the next few days they’ll be able to wake up and communicate. Of course, it’s going to be so horrible and terrible to try to discuss this with them, especially when they’re injured.”
Craig Knight said his nephew brought joy every time he was around.
“He was full of life and always good for a laugh,” he said. “My wife and I always called him ‘Little Sailor’ because he was so small.
“When you saw him coming, you thought, ‘What’s he going to get into?’ and would sit back and watch him, because he was always so funny to be around. I take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.”
Craig Knight said his brother has awakened a couple of times and tried to communicate, but it’s difficult with the ventilator and other tubes in him.
Justin Knight knows his son didn’t survive.
“He’s distraught over the loss of his son,” Craig Knight said. “He gets upset really easily when he’s awake, so they have to sedate him again.
“He appears to know that we’re here. He has shown signs as we’ve talked to him that he can hear us, but sometimes is so sedated that we can’t communicate.”
Family members aren’t sure whether Wendy Knight knows her son died.
“We haven’t seen any signs that she’s hearing us now,” Craig Knight said. “The medical staff told us they wake her and Justin about every four hours just to make sure they can wake them. They can follow commands such as nod or raise their hand, so that’s a good sign.”
Teas is conscious and talking, Craig Knight said.
He said the family has suffered tragedies in the past few years, including the loss of his sister and brother. Craig Knight also said the Knight family lost everything in the fire.
“I mean everything is gone,” he said. “We’re just asking for everybody’s prayers and help. Justin and Wendy didn’t have life insurance, health insurance or burial insurance.”

Southside man charged with sex abuse

Lane

Southside, ALA Southside man was charged with first-degree sexual abuse after he allegedly had sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl, Southside Police Lt. Clay Johnson said.
Charles Keith Lane, 39, was charged with the incident after an investigation that included interviews at the Barrie Center for Children.
Johnson said the contact occurred over an eight-month period beginning in January.
He said the girl is an acquaintance of Lane.

DA announces 46 arrests to address gangs concern

Anniston, Al.

Calhoun County District Attorney Brian McVeigh

Law enforcement officials from across Calhoun County and the state arrested 46 people in Anniston and Hobson City during an early-morning warrant round-up, Calhoun County District Attorney Brian McVeigh said in a noon press conference today.

McVeigh said the warrant round-up happened at 6 a.m. and was the beginning of a “street-level operation” to address concerns about gang activity in Anniston and Hobson City.

The impromptu conference lasted about 30 seconds on the steps of the Calhoun County Courthouse, where nine police officials from various county and state agencies gathered to stand behind McVeigh as he spoke. No Calhoun County residents were present at the conference; only a few media representatives who found out about the event by making their daily visits to police stations or checking law-enforcement Facebook and Twitter accounts showed up.

McVeigh said the agencies involved had agreed to not take questions after his brief remarks.

The 46 suspects taken into custody this morning included people “with or without” suspected gang affiliation and were arrested on a variety of outstanding warrants, the district attorney said.

He said officials now were booking those suspects into the Calhoun County Jail. A list of names for those arrested was not provided at the conference. Also unknown is whether those people who are suspected gang members have affiliations with the Taliban Clan and YNTO, two groups that McVeigh specifically identified as criminal gangs in a September press release.

Franklin County woman indicted on attempted murder charge after husband awakens from coma

RUSSELLVILLE, Al.
Authorities say a Franklin County grand jury has indicted a Phil Campbell woman on an attempted murder charge despite claims that her husband accidentally shot himself in the head in March.
Court officials tell the TimesDaily that 36-year-old Mandy Arlee Romero was indicted during the September grand jury session and has been formerly charged.
She's accused of shooting her husband, 38-year-old Randy Don Yocum, on March 12 at the couple's home.
Authorities said Yocum was in a coma for 22 days after the shooting. Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said that when he awoke, he told hospital nurses that he was shot by his wife.
Romero told investigators that her husband accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun.

Auburn University warns students about reported on-campus sexual assault

AUBURN, Al.
Auburn University officials sent an email to students at 4:08 p.m. to notify students of an investigation into a report of sexual assault in a campus residence hall.

Auburn University

The email goes on to say the assault was reported as occurring early this morning. Alerts went to Auburn Police Division and the Auburn University Department of Public Safety and Security.
City police made contact with the accused assailant, who the victim reported knowing.
"Even though this is believed to be an isolated incident, you should always be vigilant and alert to your surroundings and report an incidents or suspicious activity to the Auburn Police Division," the email said.

Updyke's lawyer asks to withdraw as counsel

OPELIKA, Al. 

  A lawyer representing the man accused of poisoning the Toomer’s oaks is asking to withdraw from the case after his client appeared on a sports radio show against his advice.

Threatt & Updyke

  “I just don’t feel I am the person anymore,” attorney Glennon F. Threatt said.

Threatt, who represents Harvey Updyke Jr., filed a motion to withdraw as counsel on Thursday, citing Updyke’s unwillingness to follow his advice against calling Paul Finebaum’s sports radio program on Sept. 28, according to court documents.

Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob A. Walker III must rule on whether Threatt may withdraw.

Fellow Birmingham lawyer Everett Wess also represents Updyke.
In the filing, Threatt said Updyke was advised against making an on-air apology to Auburn University fans for “all the damage I have done.”
  “He needs somebody he will trust, and he needs somebody he will listen to,” Threatt said.

Threatt, who represents Updyke pro bono, said he was unsure why the relationship with his client deteriorated.

Threatt said he learned of Updyke’s on-air apology and prediction that he and Wess would withdraw from reporters.

While Updyke did not admit to the poisonings, he apologized for the hurt he had caused and asked for forgiveness.
During an interview on the show in April, Updyke admitted to being “Al from Dadeville,” the caller who bragged in January about poisoning the trees. However, Updyke stopped short of admitting to the poisonings, saying, instead, the claims were an attempt to rile Auburn fans.
Traces of the potent defoliant Spike 80DF were found in the soil around the trees after a man calling himself “Al from Dadeville” phoned the Paul Finebaum sports radio show in January, claiming to have poisoned the trees.
In May, Updyke was indicted on two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, two counts of desecrating a venerated object and two counts of unlawful damage, vandalism or theft of property from a farm animal or crop facility in connection with the alleged poisoning of the oak trees at the corner of the Auburn University campus and downtown Auburn.

Updyke is currently out on $125,000 bond and living with family in Louisiana.
Updyke is accused of poisoning the trees some time after the 2010 Iron Bowl.