Governor Robert Bentley says the federal government is not keeping his administration informed about refugees from the Middle East. Bentley made the comments in a recent letter to the White House. The governor also said the federal government has not allowed states to participate in the vetting process. Last month, Bentley said the state will not accept Syrian refugees. Bentley also said mobile-based Catholic social services which processes refugees in Alabama has not submitted quarterly report on resettlement.
Blog Alleges Misconduct
A news blog posted by the Henry County Report alleges that about 15 current or former Dothan Police officers planted drugs and weapons on young black men for several years between 1996 and 2004. Dothan Police Chief Steven Parrish is strongly denying the claims. Parrish issued a statement Wednesday and said the allegations are an attempt to discredit him and District Attorney Doug Valeska. Jon Carroll, the writer of the blog, said he received the information from two police officers, whom he declined to identify.
Red Lion Case
Two Montgomery men have been given lengthy prison terms for their roles in a July 2013 murder at the Red Lion Apartments. Wednesday, Circuit Judge Eugene Reese sentenced 25-year-old Dontavious Jones and 23-year-old Rico Gilmer to life in prison. Jones and Gilmer were convicted in the October killing 25-year-old Lieve Watkins in a case that Montgomery County prosecutors said involved a drug deal gone bad.
ASU SWAC Honor
The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Alabama State Linebacker Kourtney Berry as the Defensive Player of The Year. Berry recorded 130 tackles during the 2015 season to lead the SWAC and rank fifth nationally. Grambling State quarterback Jonathan Williams was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. Williams led Grambling to its first Western Division title since 2011.