An attorney for the Dothan City Schools system explained why a Jerry Lee Faine Elementary math teacher was not immediately fired after alleged inappropriate sexual conduct with a student that led to numerous criminal charges.
Johnny Mark Dunaway, 55, is charged with seven counts of enticing a child for immoral purposes, one count of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old and one count of interference with custody.
Dunaway was arrested in May, but Dothan Police said school administrators received their first complaint in February and a second at the end of April. Police Chief William Benny said the complaints were handled internally and not passed on until May 6, when school administrators notified DHR.
Attorney Dustin Fowler told 1819 News that Dothan City Schools Board of Education chairman Julie Turner, along with the rest of the board and superintendent Garrick Askew, had already begun the process of terminating Dunaway before he was arrested, and he was placed on administrative leave. However, he was tenured, so they were forced to comply with the mandated notice provisions of Alabama’s Students First Act and other requirements.
“Additionally, neither Dr. Turner, the Board, nor Superintendent Dr. Askew had any knowledge that a complaint had been made in February,” Fowler added.
According to data from a 2025 incident report, Dothan City Schools had two sexual harassment incidents and 10 sexual offenses, with zero incidents reported to law enforcement.
The Dothan City Schools BOE said its highest priority is the safety and well-being of students. Fowler added that all meetings will comply with the Alabama Open Meetings Act.
Dunaway was arrested and booked into the Houston County Jail with no bond. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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