Houston County, Ala.(WDNews) — The Houston County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on August 8, 2024, into allegations of sexual assault involving a minor.
After a detailed inquiry, investigators determined that three victims had been subjected to sexual abuse over a span of at least 10 years.
On December 18, 2024, deputies arrested Alphonzo Sanders of Columbia, Ala., charging him with three counts each of incest, first-degree rape, and first-degree sodomy. He was booked into the Houston County Jail with bonds set at $1,490,000.
On January 10, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office also arrested Candace Coachman of Columbia, Ala. She faces three counts of aggravated child abuse. Coachman is currently being held in the Houston County Jail without bond. “The Houston County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Department of Human Resources and the Child Advocacy Center for their invaluable assistance in this case,” authorities said.
