DOTHAN, Ala. – A Dothan businessman accused of sex crimes will have his case sent to a grand jury, according to a Houston County judge. Jerald Clark, who is currently out on bond, faces charges of first-degree sodomy and first-degree rape. The Dothan Police Department has not released many details about Clark’s arrest in October 2023, but confirmed that they spoke with multiple individuals who provided information about the allegations.
Originally scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday, Clark and his attorney decided to waive the hearing after a discussion with the judge. Clark operated Smoothie King franchises in Dothan, which were forced to close following his arrest. He was also involved in an automobile rental agency.
The grand jury in Houston County will now review the evidence and determine whether to indict Clark on the sex crime charges.
The case involving Jerald Clark, a Dothan businessman, will proceed to a grand jury, as announced by a Houston County judge. Clark, who is currently out on bond, is facing charges of first-degree sodomy and first-degree rape. Details about his arrest in October 2023 have not been fully disclosed by the Dothan Police Department, but the investigation involved interviews with multiple individuals who provided information about the alleged crimes.
In a recent development, Clark and his attorney decided to waive the preliminary hearing that had been scheduled for Friday. The closure of Smoothie King franchises in Dothan followed Clark’s arrest, as he was involved in operating those establishments. Additionally, Clark was associated with an automobile rental agency.
The next step in the legal process entails a grand jury in Houston County reviewing the case and making a determination as to whether there is enough evidence to indict Clark on the charges of first-degree sodomy and first-degree rape.
To conclude, Jerald Clark, a Dothan businessman, will have his case presented to a grand jury after being charged with first-degree sodomy and first-degree rape. The Dothan Police Department has not provided extensive details about Clark’s arrest in October 2023 but has confirmed that they interviewed several individuals who provided information regarding the allegations. Clark and his attorney chose not to proceed with a preliminary hearing, and his businesses, including Smoothie King franchises, were forced to close. The grand jury in Houston County will now consider the evidence before deciding whether to indict Clark on the sex crime charges.