By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DOTHAN— It’s a truly terrifying story, one that happened right here in the Wiregrass. A Dothan man has been arrested after police say he unlawfully detained and sexually abused a woman while giving her a ride from Ozark to Dothan last month.
According to the Dothan Police Department, 29-year-old Edward Gamalier Moreno Guevara is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, and indecent exposure.
Investigators said the incident occurred on June 6 after the victim contacted Guevara, an acquaintance who was known to provide transportation outside of traditional ride-share platforms, for a ride from Ozark to a residence in Dothan.
Police allege that after arriving near the victim’s destination, Guevara pulled into a nearby parking lot and demanded sexual favors. When the woman refused, investigators say he did not allow her to leave the vehicle and instead continued driving around the area, passing her residence multiple times.
According to police, the victim ultimately complied with his demands so she could safely exit the vehicle before later reporting the incident to authorities.
Investigators obtained arrest warrants on June 8 and attempted to locate Guevara at his listed address but were unsuccessful. Police said he was later located in Huntsville on July 19, arrested on the outstanding warrants, and returned to Houston County.
Guevara is being held in the Houston County Jail without bond.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
