Brake Lights Stay On, '97 Dakota-Help

Electrical problems are not my fortee.
My son has a 97 Dakota that has had electric issues in the past, wouldn't start, no spark at ignition, long story short, the problem has something to do with the factory alarm. Last time I had it in to my regular mechanic they ended up somehow bypassing (not disabling) the alarm system, since then the horn does not work at all. I'm not comfortable taking it back to them as they had the truck for two weeks last time and I don't think they figured it out.
Starting today, the brake lights stay on ALL THE TIME. Could these issues be related or might I just need a new brake light switch?
I know it is nearly impossible to diagnose electric issues on this forum but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bob