Another Senatobia resident is behind bars with charges of child sexual abuse following an extensive investigation by the Senatobia Police Department.
The Criminal Investigations Division of SPD began looking into the case August 12, 2021, after an investigator with the department received a phone call from another agency. The information received by SPD suggested the possibility of sexual abuse of a child within the city limits of Senatobia.
Following numerous interviews and mounting evidence, investigators gained enough probable cause to prepare an affidavit against the suspect. According to SPD, the case was a lengthy investigation due to evidence which needed to be verified by time consuming means.
Jonathan Williams, 36, of Senatobia, was then charged with sexual battery. At that point a warrant was issued, and bond was set at $750,000.
Williams was located by SPD and taken into custody for the outstanding warrant Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Officials report the child is doing well and expected to make a full recovery from the traumatic incident.
Detective Brannon Rushing, Lieutenant over the investigations unit of SPD said lengthy cases such as this one requires the cooperation of several professions.
“Investigating child related crimes is an integrated effort that combines multiple professional disciplines. I want to thank Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center (Southaven) and all the members of the Tate County Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for the passion with which you carry out your tasks. The MDT combines local law enforcement, Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, victim advocates, district attorney's office, mental health professionals, and medical professionals from LeBonheur Children's Hospital, into one team with a common purpose. That purpose is to protect the children of Senatobia and Tate County,” said Rushing.
The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has information or related concerns, they are asked to contact Detective Riley Cole at 662-366-1959.
