Outrage in Fayette County: Judge's Release of Convicted Sex Offender Sparks Protests and Demands for Reform

FAYETTE COUNTY, AL. - A storm of public outrage has erupted in Fayette County following Circuit Judge Samuel W. Junkin's decision to release convicted sex offender Timothy Vess Benton from prison and place him under house arrest through the county's Community Corrections Program. The move has ignited protests, raised questions about judicial discretion, and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in Alabama's criminal justice system.

The Decision That Sparked a Firestorm

On August 6, 2025, Judge Junkin approved a motion to transfer Benton-who was serving a 17-year sentence for two counts of second-degree sodomy involving a minor-to supervised house arrest under the 24th Judicial Circuit's Community Corrections Program (CCP). The motion had been filed in late June, proposing that Benton be released from the Alabama Department of Corrections and placed under GPS-monitored confinement.

Benton, now 25, was originally indicted in 2017 on a staggering 48 felony counts, including charges of sodomy and human trafficking. In 2019, he accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt to two counts of sodomy and receiving a 17-year prison sentence.

The terms of his release allow Benton to reside at his father's shop on County Road 102, attend medical and mental health appointments, and-with prior court approval-visit his family's home in Gulf Shores. While in Gulf Shores, he must remain confined to the residence.

Community Reaction: "This Can't Happen Again"

News of Benton's release spread rapidly-primarily through social media-leaving many families blindsided and furious. Among them was Christopher Keys, whose son was 14 when he was molested by Benton.

"We didn't know he was getting out," Keys told reporters