Prichard Police Officer Arrested in Federal Corruption Probe; Sheriff's Office Takes Over City Policing

PRICHARD, Ala. - A Prichard police officer is at the center of a sweeping federal corruption investigation after FBI agents, working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, arrested Officer Emanuel Dotch on allegations of widespread misconduct and criminal activity committed under the color of law.

Federal authorities say Dotch participated in a pattern of corruption that included covering up crimes, concealing evidence, and conspiring with other officers to conduct unlawful traffic stops. According to investigators, Dotch also extorted individuals by demanding payments in exchange for releasing them from arrest and allegedly accepted corrupt payments to carry out illegal acts.

One of the most serious accusations involves Dotch allegedly agreeing to transport bulk quantities of marijuana while acting in his official capacity as a law enforcement officer.

The FBI has not yet released the full scope of the investigation, but officials say the case is ongoing and may involve additional officers.

Sheriff's Office Takes Control of Prichard Policing

In the wake of the arrest, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office announced that its TEAM SHERIFF unit has assumed full responsibility for law enforcement operations within the City of Prichard.

The move effectively places Prichard's policing under county control while the investigation continues and until city leadership determines how to rebuild or restructure the department.

Sheriff's officials emphasized that the takeover is intended to stabilize public safety, restore trust, and ensure that residents receive consistent, lawful policing during the transition.

More Arrests Possible; Public Asked to Come Forward

Federal investigators say the case remains active and that more officers could be implicated as evidence is reviewed and additional witnesses are interviewed.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about corruption, misconduct, or unlawful activity involving Prichard officers to come forward.

"This investigation is far from over," one official said. "We believe there are individuals in the community who have information that can help us uncover the full extent of what occurred."