Opelika man arrested for abuse

Brian Scott Barrett/Source: Lee County Detention Facility

An Opelika man is in custody for abusing a relative.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones tells Action 8 News that on February 17, his office initiated an investigation into a report of a man sexually, physically and mentally abusing the victim.

During the investigation, evidence led authorities to believe this had been going on for several years.

Deputies later arrested 53-year-old Brian Scott Barnett and charged him with one count of first degree rape, one count of first degree sodomy, one count of first degree sexual abuse and one count of third degree domestic violence.

Sheriff Jones says investigators traveled to Barrett’s employment and arrested him.

After an Aniah’s Law hearing, Barrett posted a $120,000 bond and was released from the Lee County Detention Center on February 26, 2026.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).