City employee among group charged with prostitution

By Matt Elofson

Published: July 10, 2008

Dothan police arrested seven people over the past three days on prostitution charges, including a City of Dothan employee, according to Dothan City Jail records.

Investigators charged Rodney Bryant, 32, of Grand Oakes Drive, with misdemeanor soliciting prostitution. Bryant, who works as a city landscaper, was off duty when he was arrested after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dothan City Manager Mike West said. Bryant was released from the Dothan City Jail Thursday after he posted a $500 bond.

Dothan Police Capt. Larry Draughon, the department’s criminal investigation division supervisor, said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation.

As a result of his arrest, Bryant was placed on paid administrative leave until a determination is made on the allegations filed against him, said Larry Muench, the director of general services for the City of Dothan, which includes landscaping. The city hired Bryant on April 2. He was not using a city vehicle when he was arrested, West said.

“We have to go under the presumption he’s innocent until proven guilty,” West said.

The following people were also charged by Dothan police investigators with misdemeanor soliciting prostitution on Tuesday and Wednesday:

n Alfred Wayne Jackson, 40, of Geneva, was also charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor third-degree criminal mischief. Jackson was released after he posted a $1,500 bond.

n Frank Genesis Taylor, 32, of Fourth Avenue, was released after he posted a $500 bond.

n Willie Morris Smith, 39, of Young America Drive, was released after he posted a $500 bond.

n Oscar Hamilton, 45, of Grand Ridge, Fla., was released after he posted a $500 bond.

n James Hefflin Fuller, 35, of North Oates Street, remained held in the Dothan City Jail on a $500 bond Thursday afternoon.

n Robert Edward York, 40, of Webb, was released after he posted a $500 bond.