CENTRE (AL)
1819 News [Birmingham AL]
May 1, 2026
By Craig Monger
Billy Stephen Turner, 25, a Cherokee County teacher and local pastor, was arrested Thursday and charged with transmitting obscene material to a child, a class B felony.
Turner, who is listed as a Centre resident, was booked into the Cherokee County Jail at 2:36 p.m. on Thursday and released after just over five hours.
According to Alabama law, transmitting obscene material to a child by computer means a person is accused of transferring by means of a computer system,” material which in whole or in part, depicts actual or simulated nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochistic abuse, for the purpose of initiating or engaging in sexual acts with the child,” under the age of 17.
Investigators were reportedly notified of a potential incident involving a teacher at Cherokee County High School, which prompted the investigation and subsequent arrest.
Turner had already submitted his resignation to the school, which was scheduled to take effect on June 1. However, the Cherokee County Board of Education called an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon and amended the resignation to be effective immediately.
Turner, a football and baseball coach and a history teacher, is also an interim pastor at a church in Heflin, listed with the Southern Baptist Convention. Randolph County Schools and Gulf Shores City Schools have also previously employed Turner.
Turner does not appear to have any prior criminal history aside from traffic tickets, and the records do not indicate whether Turner was required to post bail. Turner is considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.