By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DOTHAN — Two Dothan City Schools employees have been charged with failing to comply with Alabama’s mandatory reporting law as authorities continue investigating allegations against former Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School teacher Johnny Mark Dunaway.
According to the Dothan Police Department, charges have been filed against Bertha Nicole Guilford, the school system’s Title IX coordinator, and Sophia Lanette Hedrington, who was serving as interim principal at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School when complaints involving Dunaway were reportedly received.
Investigators allege both women failed to fulfill their legal obligations under Alabama’s mandatory reporting statute after learning of complaints involving Dunaway. Each has been charged with one count of failure to comply with Alabama’s Mandatory Reporting law.
Police said Guilford and Hedrington surrendered themselves at the Houston County Jail, where they were booked and later released after posting $1,000 bonds.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation that began after allegations surfaced involving Dunaway, a longtime educator who previously taught at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School.
Dunaway was arrested in April and charged with four counts of enticing a child for immoral purposes. According to investigators, the charges involve allegations that he used electronic communications to solicit children younger than 16 years old. Authorities have previously stated that multiple alleged victims were identified during the investigation.
At the time of his arrest, police indicated that evidence gathered from electronic devices and interviews led investigators to pursue criminal charges. Dunaway was terminated from his position with Dothan City Schools following the allegations.
The Alabama mandatory reporting law requires certain professionals, including educators and school administrators, to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities. Violations of the law can result in criminal penalties.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives continue conducting interviews and processing evidence. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 793-7000. Authorities promise that any person coming forward with tips or information can remain anonymous.
Sophia Lanette Hedrington
Berthan Nicole Guilford (Dothan Police Department).
Johnny Mark Dunaway was charged with multiple counts of sex crimes against children. After his arrest, he was fired from his position as a teacher at Dothan City Schools. (Dothan Police Department)
