Millbrook Middle School teacher arrested for harassment and criminal mischief

By Chief PK Johnson

Millbrook Police Department

On October 3, 2024, Millbrook Police received a complaint from a parent of a student at Millbrook Middle School regarding an altercation between a 13-year-old student and a teacher. The parents said their son and a teacher had a verbal altercation that resulted in the teacher, later identified as Austin R. Dorberth, a 27-year-old Millbrook resident, walking up to the student and grabbing him physically pushed him with such force that the student dropped his cell phone and took off his shoes. The parent stated that his child’s cell phone was damaged in the altercation. An Alabama Uniform Incident/Offense Report was prepared and the parent was referred to the Millbrook Municipal Court Magistrate who, after reviewing the facts alleged in the complaint, issued warrants for Dorberth’s arrest for the felony counts of Harassment and Criminal Mischief 3^approx Degree.

On October 4, 2024, Austin Dorberth surrendered to the Millbrook Police Department, who arrested him pursuant to warrants issued by the Millbrook Municipal Court in this case. Dorberth was processed and later released on bail pending his appearance in Millbrook Local Court.

Due to the nature of this case, which involves a minor child, I am limited in my ability to comment. Our School Resource Officers are aware of this case and have been working closely with school officials and the parents of the student involved in this investigation. We are aware that there is a video of this incident that has been shared on social media. The images presented are obviously disturbing. We understand that Millbrook Middle School officials, as well as the Elmore County Board of Education, are handling their portion of this investigation from a personnel perspective, and we will hold back any comments regarding the alleged perpetrator’s status at the school and his own employment.

An arrest has been made in this case and the decision is scheduled to be made in Millbrook Municipal Court. I understand that people who are concerned about the allegations made in this case are right to be so. I would like to encourage all parties involved or prosecuting this case to allow law enforcement, school officials and the court to continue this investigation and prosecution based on the facts and evidence presented in this case.