DOTHAN, Ala. -- The criminal charge recently filed against the Dothan High School principal alleges he had sexual intercourse with a female student who is younger than age 18.
According to the complaint, a Dothan police investigator arrested Andrew Sewell, 41, last week and charged him with misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The complaint alleges Sewell had sex with a female student between Jan. 2 and Jan. 28, 2009. The complaint did not specify where the act allegedly took place.
The investigator arrested Sewell last Thursday night. He was released from custody after he posted a $6,000 bond.
Houston County Presiding Circuit Court Judge Brad Mendheim said all contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges are tried in juvenile court, but are open to the public. Mendheim said the conviction of a misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor will also show up on a criminal record check.
"A charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a public case, both the court proceedings and the court file," Mendheim said. "Everything except us releasing the name of a child is considered public information."
Someone charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor has a non-jury trial during which a judge determines the outcome. The defendant in the case could appeal a conviction to circuit court, and specifically request a jury trial.
Mendheim said the court clerks are trained that all juvenile cases are confidential.
Houston County Circuit Court Clerk Carla Woodall called the criminal charge filed against Sewell a sealed case. Woodall said the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts said Wednesday they will be sending out a memo state-wide with clarifications on the contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge.
If convicted, Sewell faces up to a year in jail and up to a $500 fine. The court also has the option to suspend any sentence handed down or give probation.
Derek Yarbrough, who represents Sewell, submitted a motion Tuesday asking the court to bar any further releases of information to the media, including the Dothan Eagle. According to court records, Circuit Court Judge Butch Binford denied the motion Wednesday. The court found no provision in the juvenile code to seal the records in the case.
The Houston County District Attorney's Office has also asked for a trial within five days of arraignment. Records showed Sewell waived his arraignment Wednesday, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
No trial date has been set in the case.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement