Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II could add another award next week for his 2024 NFL season. The former Alabama All-American is among the nominees for the ESPY Award for the best NFL player.
The other nominees are Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Fans have one week remaining to vote online for their choice for the best NFL player and 20 other awards.
The ESPY Awards will be televised at 7 p.m. CDT July 16 by ABC.
Surtain collected those accolades for his fourth NFL season since joining the Broncos from the Crimson Tide as the ninth pick in the 2021 draft. For Alabama’s undefeated CFP national-championship team for the 2020 season, Surtain had earned unanimous All-American recognition and won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Former Auburn gymnast Suni Lee also is up for an ESPY as the best comeback athlete.
After being diagnosed with a kidney disease in 2023, Lee returned in 2024 and earned a gold medal with the United States in the women’s artistic gymnastics team competition and individual bronze medals in the women’s all-around and uneven bars at the Paris Olympics.
The other nominees for best comeback athlete are Mallory Swanson of the Chicago Stars and the U.S. women’s national soccer team, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche and skier Lindsey Vonn.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
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When Lee Lawson took the owner of a centuries-old German steel company on a tour of Baldwin Preparatory Academy, he suspected it might be a turning point.
Hermann Butting, head of family-run Butting Global, was all smiles as he visited with students in the school’s new welding labs.
“That facility really helped spur them to say, ‘alright, this community is investing $100 million in itself and its workforce, our investment could come alongside and energize it even more,’” recalled Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, referring to the cost of building the school that opened last August.
“We just hit a home run with Mr. Butting in the welding labs and for him to see the kind of investment we are making in this community,” he added.
That visit, paired with a $16.1 million incentive package, helped seal the deal: Butting Global is bringing its first North American manufacturing plant to Loxley.
“We are here to grow, contribute and to stay,” said Marcel Bartels, the company’s CEO, during Wednesday’s official announcement at Steelwood Country Club.
Incentives
Marcel Bartels, CEO of Butting Global – a German-based steel manufacturer – announces the company’s first U.S. production facility in Loxley, Ala., during an event on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley.John Sharp
The company will build a $61.7 million facility within the Loxley Logistics Center, expected to be completed by late 2026.
The company, as part of its agreement with the Alabama Department of Commerce, vows to add at least 83 new full-time jobs with an average hourly wage of $30.
Bartels and Baldwin County EDA anticipate the facility will add 100 new jobs with an annual salary averaging around $65,000, or roughly 34% higher than the average wage in Baldwin County.
Bartels said that within three years, “100 percent” of the workforce in Loxley will be locally hired.
The following is the breakdown of the incentive package:
The state is offering an investment credit valued at $9.3 million over 10 years.
A Jobs credit is also being offered through the Alabama Department of Commerce, valued at $1.7 million over 10 years.
The state is also offering services through Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) valued at $1 million.
The Loxley Industrial Development Board authorized sales and use tax exemptions for the construction period that are estimated at $1.9 million.
Butting Global is also being offered non-educational property tax abatements for 10 years with an estimated value of $2.2 million.
According to the Department of Commerce, the state is anticipating a $26.3 million addition of new revenues over 20 years. In addition, the state estimates the facility generating $118.4 million in new payroll over 20 years.
Bartels, when asked if the incentive package played a role in choosing to locate to Loxley, responded, “of course.” The company had been looking at sites in other states including California, New York, and Wisconsin.
He said a bit of Southern hospitality also didn’t hurt.
“If I take a look at this area, I slept that last four nights in Fairhope,” he said. “I was out for a run in the morning and met 20 runners. Every one of them said, ‘good morning’ or ‘how are you?’ Helpful. Friendly. I enjoyed staying here in this area and it’s as important as incentives.”
Clients, tariffs
A rendering of the entrance to the future Butting manufacturing campus in Loxley, Ala. The German stainless steel manufacturing company announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, that it was building its North American headquarters in Baldwin County.courtesy of Butting and Hargrove
The company was founded around the same time as the United States. It manufactures stainless steel welded pipes and other pipes and valves for industrial uses.
Bartels said one of the company’s highest profile clients is SpaceX, the Texas-based space technology company founded over 23 years ago by Elon Musk.
He said his company had been exploring a U.S. location for about 12 years, saying that many of the company’s North American clients preferred their product but noted that Butting Global was not an American firm.
“We said we have to change that,” Bartels said. “Now here we are.”
He said that while the threat of tariffs from President Donald Trump’s administration did not determine the company’s decision to move, having a U.S. presence would help them avoid potential tariff increases on imported steel products.
“We made the decision before the new administration and before the tariff (increases by Trump),” Bartels said. “It’s been a long-term decision for us. Of course, it will help us now (to avoid paying high tariffs). This will help our clients as well.”
Baldwin Prep
Baldwin County Preparatory Academy opened on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, with 772 students. The approximately $100 million career and tech school is much like a magnet school and offers students a variety of career programs of their choosing. Programs of study include health sciences, automotive technology, cyber security, culinary arts, engineering, cosmetology, construction, welding, graphic design, HVAC, teaching, aviation, and logistics.John Sharp
Having the facility located near Baldwin County Prep will be an advantage as well, Bartels said.
Butting’s Loxley facility is a short drive along Alabama State Route 59 to the new vocational and career tech high school, which is among the first of its kind in the United States.
“It’s really an investment into the future not only for all the young people (in Baldwin County) but also for America,” he said. “It’s incredible and is what we need for our business.”
Lawson credited the new school for closing an economic development deal, and he anticipates the school serving as a crucial backdrop for years to come.
“It was our first project to utilize Baldwin Prep in the pitch and the close, but it won’t be the last,” he said.
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The National Weather Service released a flood advisory at 6:49 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until 10 p.m. for Calhoun County.
The weather service says, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” explains the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the weather service
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Move to higher ground:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
An Alabama woman is in jail, accused of throwing a 5-year-old to the ground.
Selena Cheyanna Smith, 24, is charged with aggravated child abuse. She is being held without bond in the Dale County Jail.
Dothan police were notified at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday by hospital staff that a 5-year-old was being prepared for surgery with suspicious injuries, said Chief William E. Benny.
The healthcare worker told officers that the child had bruises over most of his or her body and significant bruising to the face.
Smith initially told investigators that the child was running around the family’s home, fell and hit the table.
Police did not release Smith’s relationship to the child, saying only that she was the adult responsible for the child.
The injuries, according to healthcare workers and investigators, did not match the story given.
An investigation was launched to determine the circumstances.
Shortly after the investigation began, Smith admitted to causing the injuries, Benny said.
According to investigators, Smith was attempting to discipline the child, grew frustrated, and threw the child to the ground where the child struck his or her head on the floor.
The incident caused the child’s brain to swell from the blunt trauma, which was life-threatening.
The child has since been transferred to a different hospital for further treatment and is listed in serious but stable condition.
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Alabaster police are investigating a shooting that happened on I-65 in Alabaster on July 9, 2025.(Algo)
An investigation is underway after two motorists shot each other during a possible road rage incident on Interstate 65.
The shooting happened about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on I-65 near the 238-mile marker in Alabaster.
Officers dispatched to the scene found two people in two vehicles wounded, police said.
Both were shot in their “lower extremities” and taken to area hospitals.
No other details are being released at this time, police said.
There is no ongoing public threat.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 205-664-7401.
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A flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 6:01 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Jefferson and St. Clair counties.
The weather service adds, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” adds the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:
Move to higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Remember to never drive through water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most cars. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
The New York Yankees play against the Seattle Mariners in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT on Prime Video. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by Prime Video.
The Yankees enter this matchup with a 50-41 record, and they have won back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Yankees defeated Seattle 10-3.
In order to win tonight’s game, the Yankees will need to rely on their star player Aaron Judge. He currently leads the team with 34 home runs and 75 RBI, which highlights his power at the plate.
Notably, Judge also leads the New York offense with a .360 batting average this season.
The Mariners enter this matchup with a 48-43 record, and they have won three of their last four games.
In order to win this game, the Mariners will need a great performance from their star player Cal Raleigh. He leads the Seattle offense with 36 home runs and 76 RBI this season, so he will try to continue his offensive success this evening.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
The New York Mets play against the Baltimore Orioles in an MLB game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Mets enter this matchup with a 53-39 record, and they have won five of their last six games. In their most recent game, the Mets defeated Baltimore 7-6 in 10 innings.
In order to win tonight’s game, the Mets will need to rely on their star player Pete Alonso. He leads the team with 75 RBI and a .290 batting average, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening.
The Orioles enter this matchup with a 40-50 record, and they have won three of their last four games.
In order to win this game, the Orioles will need a great performance from their star player Cedric Mullins. He leads the team with 13 home runs and 41 RBI, which highlights his offensive prowess.
Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
The National Weather Service issued a weather alert at 5:01 p.m. on Wednesday for strong thunderstorms until 6 p.m. for Etowah and St. Clair counties.
The storms may bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 5:01 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Attalla, moving east at 30 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Hokes Bluff, Glencoe, Sardis City, Steele, Altoona, Walnut Grove, Reece City, Tabor Road, Aurora, Ballplay, Gadsden Mall, Noccalula Falls, Neely Henry Lake, Southside, Alabama International Dragway, Gadsden Steam Plant and Mountainboro.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Visibility matters:
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace on Wednesday sentenced Reach 10 years split with two years to actually serve followed by three years of unsupervised probation.
The state asked that he be sentenced to 10 years to serve. The defense asked for probation.
Reach will be required to register as a sex offender
In the trial, prosecutors described in graphic detail the sex acts between children found on Reach’s laptop.
Deputy District Attorneys Tiffany Ould and Nick Taggart prosecuted the case. Reach was represented by attorney Herbie Brewer.
The case was investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation.
The probe began on March 11, 2014, when SBI received a tip from a technician at a local computer repair store that she had come across nude images of an underage boy on Reach’s laptop.
Investigators carried out a search warrant at Reach’s Birmingham home, seizing the laptop and other devices belonging to him
“Analysis of those devices uncovered a treasure trove of child pornography which had been carefully curated over at least a decade,” Ould said.
During the trial, the defense admitted that the images and videos in question did contain sexually explicit and graphic materials of children but claimed that the defendant did not know they were there.
The evidence, however, showed that Reach went through great efforts to disguise his collection.
He did so not only with password protected profiles, but also by hiding them in his computer under files that initially appear to be legitimate computer files.
Prosecutors said the efforts he went to showed it was in no way accidental nor done without defendant’s knowledge.
Reach took the stand in his defense, claiming that he had no knowledge that child pornography was across all of his devices.
After the earlier verdict, Reach was immediately taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
Ould said Reach spoke at the sentencing hearing and said he “remorseful for being associated with these heinous” images.
During his pre-sentencing investigation, she said, Reach focused much of his statement on regurgitating his resume and musical accomplishments, and most baffling, claiming he “would love to help younger student achieve musical success”.
“He emphasized that he has no touched anyone as if that was some sort of accomplishment,” Ould said. “The state noted that throughout the pendency of this case, the trial itself and after the trial, the defendant has cast blame on everyone but himself and has never taken responsibilities for his actions”
Ould said during sentencing, Reach “attempted to paint himself as a feeble old man with diabetes.”
Prosecutors argued that should not be a consideration.
“The state asked the court not to consider his age as it would be unfair to treat him differently than a younger defendant,” Ould said. “Also, based on the evidence presented at trial, Reach amassed thousands of images and video of child porn over a 10-year period while he was a senior citizen.”
“Raymond Reach is a pedophile who has an unnatural desire for children,” she said. “He is a danger to the community and should never be given access to children.”
“He is responsible for fueling the demand for these materials which included sado-masochistic torture and rape of children,” Ould said. “He is part of the problem, and he deserves to be punished as such.”
Reach is a Birmingham native and a staple in the jazz community.
According to his bio and social media, he is a former music instructor at Birmingham Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
At the time of his arrest, he listed his occupation as director of student jazz programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
