Limestone County authorities want to question a Limestone County rapper, who was busted for drug trafficking in August, regarding suspected arson at his home and garage over the past two days.
Alphonso Brontay Benford, 32, of Madison – also known as rapper Mr. Btay – owns the property at 27135 Oakcrest Drive in eastern Limestone County where separate fires destroyed the unattached garage Wednesday morning and the mobile home at 11:52 p.m. Thursday.
No one was staying at the home at the time.
“It was obviously arson,” said Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely. “The garage burned Wednesday morning, and it also looked like they tried to set the house on fire. Someone saw a vehicle out there last night and saw it leave. We’ve been trying to find him – we’d like to talk to him.”
The sheriff and the state fire marshal are investigating the fires that destroyed the structures, said East Limestone Fire Chief Joey Boyd.
“The garage was pretty well burned through when we got there,” Boyd said. “The home was pretty well involved and we were on the scene until about 2 a.m.”
Firefighters from East Limestone and Oak Grove-Thatch battled the blaze.
It is the same property where Mr. Btay was arrested Aug. 5 by the sheriff’s department and Huntsville Narcotics Unit after authorities seized about $294,000 cash, seven handguns,
a half-ounce of marijuana and pills believed to be the hallucinogen ecstasy and the opioid hydrocodone.
Huntsville charged him with three counts of trafficking cocaine. Limestone County charged him with violating the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance Act and possession of marijuana, Blakely said. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was expected to add more weapons charges because, due to previous convictions, Benford was barred from possessing a handgun.
His drug investigation also involved the potential seizure of real property as well as numerous luxury and sport vehicles valued at several hundred thousand dollars, sheriff’s officials said.
After his arrest in August, Benford was in the Huntsville jail in lieu of bonds totaling $3 million. However, he was not in jail there Friday, an official said.
Local News
Limestone rapper wanted for questioning in suspicious fires
- Local News
-
-
Burial detail seeks new members
The detail, which provides free military honors for families who request it, typically serves at 50 to 60 funerals per year. This year, Keyes said, the group has provided honors at more than 40 funerals already.
-
Ardmore Welcome Center turns 35
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the public is invited.
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
- More Local News Headlines
-


