Dothan man faces more sexual assault charges of a young girl

By Matt Elofson

Published: July 18, 2008

Barbour County Sheriff’s investigators filed felony sexual assault charges against a 45-year-old Dothan man already behind bars on a pending felony incest charge, said Investigator Sgt. David Morris.

Investigators charged Daniel Elphinstone with incest and first-degree sex abuse, said Morris.

“It’s been going on for several years, it started when the child (girl) was 8 years old,” said Morris. 

Dothan police investigators arrested Elphinstone on April 9, and charged him with felony incest about two months after the alleged offense happened. Police arrested him after police served a search warrant at his home in the 1300 block of Cornell Avenue. The incest acts reportedly happened over the eight to 10 months prior to his arrest.

Elphinstone is being held in the Houston County Jail on a $125,000 bond. District Court Judge Brad Mendheim denied Elphinstone’s motion to reduce his bond in May because he has been charged with desertion from the U.S. Navy, according to court records.

The Barbour County charges stemmed from when Elphinstone lived in the Eufaula area prior to moving to Dothan about nine month ago. Morris said the Barbour County sexual assaults occurred at three different residences where he lived in the Eufaula area.

A $200,000 bond has been set for the Barbour County charges. More charges are pending the completion of the Barbour County case.
Investigator Brian Cherry with the Dothan Police Department assisted Barbour County in its investigation.

“Sexual crimes involving children are increasing and Sheriff (Leroy) Upshaw is committed to having these cases investigated and the person(s) arrested,” Morris said in an e-mailed statement.