Alabama pair charged with sodomy, bestiality involving disabled victim

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)-- Two Marshall County residents were arrested and charged with sodomy and bestiality after a disturbing video was shared with authorities.

Investigators told WHNT News 19 the video was shared with community members through Facebook messenger, text messages and email.

Van Christopher Havis, 53, of Guntersville, and Holly Renae Debord, 36, of Albertville, were arrested Thursday, Jan. 16, after investigators said they identified them and the victim. Havis is being held on a $250,000 bond. Bond has not been set for Debord.

During a news conference Friday, Jan. 17, investigators said the video involved a person with a mental disability.

"This is a different, unique type case from what it involved. I'm sure one of the charges is not what you often hear, called bestiality. I'll just say it involves a domesticated animal and leave it at that," said Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims.

Sheriff Sims told WHNT News 19 that the victim was an acquaintance of Havis and Debord.

Johnson told WHNT News 19 Sodomy in the first degree is a Class A felony, which is punishable by 10 years to life in prison depending on prior convictions and criminal history.