Lucedale Man Arrested in Southaven on Child Sex Abuse Charges
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A South Mississippi man wanted on child sexual abuse charges was arrested in Southaven this week with help from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, according to the George County Sheriff’s Office.
Harry Cotrell, 59, of Lucedale faces six felony charges tied to the alleged abuse of several children who live in George County, in the southeast corner of the state, more than 250 miles south of DeSoto County.
How the Case Led to an Arrest in Southaven
George County Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said his office received a report on Oct. 6 about the alleged sexual abuse of multiple children. Investigators identified Cotrell as a suspect, and warrants were issued for his arrest.
Mixon said Cotrell was located and taken into custody in Southaven within hours of the warrants being issued, with assistance from DeSoto County deputies. Authorities have not said publicly why Cotrell was in DeSoto County or exactly where in Southaven he was found.
Cotrell is charged with:
- One count of sexual battery
- One count of grooming
- Four counts of touching a child for lustful purposes
He is awaiting an initial appearance before a George County Justice Court judge. No victim information has been released.
Sheriff Thanks DeSoto County Deputies
“Our investigators worked diligently to pursue this case, and we appreciate the assistance of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in helping bring this investigation to this stage,” Mixon said, adding that his agency takes allegations involving children’s safety “extremely seriously.”
Cooperation between sheriff’s offices is routine when a suspect named in one county’s warrant turns up in another. In those cases, the local agency typically makes the arrest and holds the suspect until the county that filed the charges can take custody.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
What Happens Next in the Case
Because the charges were filed in George County, the case will be handled by courts there rather than in DeSoto County. At an initial appearance, a judge typically reads the charges, confirms the defendant understands them, and addresses bond and legal representation. Felony charges such as sexual battery would later go before a grand jury, which decides whether to return an indictment.
The George County Sheriff’s Office has not said whether investigators expect additional charges or more alleged victims.
Reporting Child Abuse in Mississippi
Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can report it to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services hotline at 1-800-222-8000 or online at reportabuse.mdcps.ms.gov. In an emergency, call 911.
For more local public safety news, see Former Cascades Developer Arrested in Olive Branch and Jamie Young to Lead DeSoto County DA Special Victims Unit.
Source: WLBT / WLOX, citing the George County Sheriff’s Office
