Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, marks one year since authorities reported the disappearance of 1-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins, a case that has drawn widespread attention and continues to weigh heavily on the community.
Ernest Alford Cargile | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail
A Fayette County Grand Jury has indicted Ernest Alford Cargile, 67, of Fayette, on 11 counts of possession of child pornography of obscene matter of a person under 17. His bond was set at $1,102,000 on Oct. 10. According to court documents, on Nov. 20, Cargile entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Dana Mullins Anderson | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail
A Fayette County grand jury has indicted Dana Mullins Anderson, 63, of Fayette, on 15 counts of first‑degree theft of property. The charges stem from an alleged long‑term theft at Garry W. Magouirk, MDPC, where Anderson allegedly served as office manager since 2011.
Zachary Seth Grace | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail
In October 2024, multiple church burglaries were reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation initially led to the arrest of Jeanee Kay Vick, 50, who was charged with multiple counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree forgery and criminal mischief on Nov. 7, 2024.
According to FCSO Investigator Branndon Collins, a second suspect, Zachary Seth Grace, 30, was identified as a participant in the burglaries.
Photos contributed by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force agents assisted Alabama Probation and Parole during a home visit in the 23000 block of Hwy. 18 E. in Berry involving probationer Grady Pendley.
According to Sheriff Byron Yerby and Investigator Branndon Collins, officers discovered multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia items. Substances found included fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and Xanax.
Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail
The plea hearing for Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey, the defendant in a high-profile child abuse case, has been postponed until April 13, 2026.
Timothy Vess Benton | Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Corrections
Attorney General Steve Marshall and the State of Alabama have requested a renewed motion to modify Timothy Vess Benton’s sentence to serve the remainder of his sentence in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. According to court documents, based on Benton's violation while under the Fayette Community Corrections program, the state has moved for Benton to be ordered to complete the remainder of his sentence in this case in the department of corrections. The motion was filed on Thursday, Oct.
Timothy Vess Benton
A preliminary hearing for Timothy Vess Benton has been scheduled for Oct. 16 at 2 p.m., according to recent court filings. Records show that the hearing will be held in District Judge James E. Gentry’s courtroom (courtroom No. 2) on the sixth floor of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The order was submitted by Gentry and electronically filed on Friday, Sept. 19.
Pictured above are the firearms and a portion of the marijuana plants that were seized during the operation. | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, with the support from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation Unit and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, conducted a marijuana eradication detail.
Fayette Police are continuing to investigate a break in at Andrew Bynum GMC that occurred Tuesday, July 29, between 9 - 9:30 p.m. at the dealership located at 2535 Temple Ave. Jenkins confirmed that another stolen vehicle, the 2500 GMC Sierra, was recently located in Laurel, Miss.
