Lee County, Alabama Man Adrian Dabney Convicted of Child Sex Crimes Against a Six-Year-Old; Faces Life Without Parole

A Lee County man has been found guilty of multiple sex crimes against a child, closing a disturbing chapter that drew anger and grief across the Opelika community. The verdict was announced by local prosecutors and reported by ABC 33/40 and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.

Lee County Jury Convicts Adrian Dabney

On October 24, 2025, a Lee County jury convicted Adrian Dabney on several counts tied to the abuse of a child under the age of 12. According to the prosecution, the jury found Dabney guilty of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old, first-degree attempted rape, and first-degree sodomy. The case centered on a six-year-old victim and followed a week-long trial at the Lee County Justice Center in Opelika, Alabama, where jurors reviewed extensive evidence and testimony.

Because of the young age of the victim, the District Attorney’s Office said Dabney faces a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on the first-degree sodomy conviction. Sentencing on the remaining counts is set to take place at a later date, and the conviction stands while any post-trial motions work their way through the court. (Opelika-Auburn News)

District Attorney Jessica Ventiere said the verdict brings a measure of justice to the victim and their family:

“This conviction reflects our office’s determination to seek justice for the most vulnerable among us,” Ventiere said.

Investigation and the Trial

The charges stem from abuse that took place in Opelika in June 2022. The Opelika Police Department, with Investigator Elijah Pugh leading the work, built the case that ultimately led to Dabney’s arrest and prosecution. Senior Assistant District Attorney Madison Grantham tried the case for the state, walking jurors through the forensic findings and witness accounts that anchored each count.

Prosecutors characterized Dabney’s conduct as deliberate and predatory toward the child. The victim’s family attended the proceedings but remained largely out of public view, supported by victim advocacy staff from the District Attorney’s Office. Court officials used the outcome to underline the severe penalties that crimes of this nature carry under Alabama law.

Sentencing and Legal Ramifications

As prosecutors confirmed, Dabney faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on the first-degree sodomy conviction because of the victim’s age. First-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 12 is addressed under Alabama Code Section 13A-6-66, which carries a sentence of 20 years to life, while the rape and sodomy counts fall under the state’s most serious felony classifications. Following his conviction, Dabney was remanded to the Lee County Detention Center. Prosecutors confirmed he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The case drew widespread attention in Lee County and surrounding areas due to the young age of the victim. Law enforcement officials from the Opelika Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office praised the coordinated investigation that led to the trial’s outcome. The verdict landed during a year in which Lee County prosecutors secured several high-profile convictions in cases involving harm to children, part of what the District Attorney’s Office describes as a sustained focus on crimes against minors.

District Attorney Ventiere added:

“Our office will continue prioritizing crimes against children. Every conviction like this sends a clear message that Lee County will not tolerate acts of abuse or exploitation against minors.”

Community advocates echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspected abuse and supporting victims through accessible counseling and legal resources.

Resources for Victims of Child Abuse in Alabama

Victims or witnesses of child sexual abuse in Alabama can contact:

• Lee County Sheriff’s Office: (334)*******51

• Opelika Police Department’s Detective Division: (334)*******20

• Alabama Child Abuse Hotline: 1-866-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-866-728-3224)

Authorities encourage community members to report any signs of abuse immediately and note that anonymous tips are accepted through the Opelika Police mobile app.