Mississippi Police Officer Arrested for Statutory Rape

A Reservoir police officer, Rodney Jernigan, has been arrested and charged with statutory rape in Smith County, Mississippi, following reports of an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl. The arrest came after search warrants on electronic devices revealed evidence leading to Jernigan's detainment in Smith County Jail. Reservoir Police Chief Carlos Dipuma confirmed Jernigan's termination and stressed a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston highlighted the joint effort with the Cyber Crimes Division in ensuring the safety of children and citizens, with Jernigan awaiting his court appearance while in custody.