Former correctional officer charged with child sex crimes

ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - An Elmore County man has been arrested and charged with multiple child sex crimes, according to the Millbrook Police Department.

Daniel Sexton, 22, of Millbrook, was taken into custody Friday and transported to the Elmore County Jail where he was charged with two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape and facilitating the travel of a child for an unlawful sex act.

The Alabama Department of Corrections confirmed to WSFA 12 News that Sexton had been an employee of the ADOC from 2019 until his resignation on Sept. 2. The department said he was a basic correctional officer at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore during that time and that his resignation “was not submitted in connection with his arrest.”

Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson said his detectives received a complaint in early September regarding the possible sexual assault of a minor and determined during an initial investigation that the allegations involved two victims, both minors. The police chief said the assaults happened in August.

Following the initial investigation, Johnson said probable cause was determined to be sufficient and warrants were signed for Sexton’s arrest.

“These are very serious charges and the fact that the victims are both minors, with one being a person with special needs, makes this case even more reprehensible,” Johnson said in a statement.

“I can assure you that our investigators have and will continue to investigate this case utilizing all the resources and partnerships with law enforcement and social services that are at our disposal to ensure that we present the best case possible to the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office,” Johnson added.

Sexton was released on a $240,000 bond on Saturday, according to records with the Elmore County Jail.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct the suspect’s age from 23 to 22 and to add additional statements provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections.