Water Valley Man Faces Felony Charges For Molesting A Juvenile
WATER VALLEY – A disturbance on Blackmur Drive on July 9 led to felony charges for a Water Valley man accused of molesting a 13-year old juvenile. Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported Kenderick Spearman, 31, was charged with gratification of lust and sexual battery. The arrest came on July 27 following a two-week investigation that included assistance from the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. Spearman was booked into the Yalobusha County Detention Center and released after posting a $60,000 bond.
Mangrum reported his officers responded to the call on Blackmur after the juvenile victim told family members about the alleged abuse that spanned an 18 to 24 month period.
“The family members went to Spearman’s house to confront him. They were upset and showed up at his house, which is understandable,” Mangrum explained.
Officers were on the scene within minutes and family members immediately cooperated. Mangrum said the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with the case.
Mangrum also reported Michael Avant was arrested on felony drug charges following a traffic stop on South Main Street on July 31. Officers detected the odor of marijuana and searched Avant and his vehicle. A green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a bag containing alleged methamphetamine was discovered during the search.
Avant was arrested for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and booked into the Yalobusha County Detention Center. He posted a $10,000 bond and was released.
Both case will be presented to a grand jury.