Gadsden Man Held Without Bond on First-Degree Rape Charge Following Etowah County Investigation

Matthew Crane mugshot (courtesy Etowah County Sheriff's Office)

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | Friday, August 21, 2026

ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. — A Gadsden man is being held without bond after authorities say an investigation into allegations of years-long sexual abuse involving a child resulted in a first-degree rape charge.

Matthew Crane, 41, was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 19, in Dothan on a charge of first-degree rape, according to the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported back to Etowah County and booked into the Etowah County Jail on Thursday, Aug. 20.

According to Investigator Brandi Simmons, the investigation began after a victim reported that Crane had allegedly sexually assaulted her over a period of several years at a residence in Etowah County.

Authorities said the victim was a child at the time the alleged abuse occurred.

As part of the investigation, the victim was interviewed at the James M. Barrie Center, where authorities said she disclosed details of the alleged abuse.

Following what the sheriff’s office described as a lengthy investigation, investigators determined there was probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant charging Crane with first-degree rape.

Crane remains in the Etowah County Jail without bond, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case remains pending through the court system. The charge against Crane is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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