A Jerry Lee Faine Elementary math teacher is behind bars after allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a student, but police say they didn't find out about the allegations until months after the first complaint.
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.
Dothan Police chief William Benny said school administrators heard the first complaint in February and a second at the end of April. They handled the complaints internally and did not contact the Houston County Department of Human Resources until May 6, Benny claimed. That is when police learned of the incidents. Investigators immediately began a methodical investigation.
“The level of trust given to school employees that encounter our children is not one to be taken lightly,” said Benny. “When there is evidence that trust has been violated, the Dothan Police Department will not hesitate to take action to protect the children in our schools.”
A forensic interview was conducted where allegations of sexual crimes were disclosed by the student. During a search warrant, police seized items and sent court orders for various social media and gaming platforms. Investigators are also contacting Dunaway’s former places of employment.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” Benny added. “The Dothan Police Department will devote every available resource to investigating crimes against children and anyone who exploits a position of trust to victimize a child should expect our full commitment to pursuing justice.”
Dunaway was arrested and booked into the Houston County Jail with no bond. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.
The Dothan City School Board of Education plans to meet behind closed doors on Friday.
1819 News has reached out to Dothan Schools for comment. An attorney for the system said Dunaway was placed on administrative leave prior to his arrest and said the school board was not made aware of a complaint in February.
"Current Board Chairman Dr. Turner, the current Dothan City Board of Education, and Superintendent Askew were not involved in the hiring of Dr. Dunaway," said attorney Dustin Fowler. "Dr. Dunaway was approved for employment with Dothan City Schools in July of 2021 during the tenure of former Superintendent Dennis Coe and then-Board Chairman Mike Schmitz. Board Chairman Dr. Turner, the Dothan City Board of Education, and Superintendent Askew have cooperated fully, and will continue to cooperate fully, with law enforcement authorities throughout this investigation.
"Additionally, neither Dr. Turner, the Board, nor Superintendent Askew had any knowledge that a complaint had been made in February," Fowler continued. "The safety and well-being of Dothan City Schools students remain the highest priority of Board Chairman Dr. Turner, the Dothan City Board of Education, and Superintendent Askew, and will always be the system’s top priority of this administration. At this time, no further information will be released due to the ongoing investigation."
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