Mississippi reservoir police officer charged with statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl

The Smith County Sheriff's Office said it has charged Reservoir Police Officer Rodney Jernigan with statutory rape involving a 13-year-old girl.

Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston issued a Tuesday statement saying the sheriff's office received a "complaint from a concerned parent" about a possible inappropriate relationship between a teenager and an adult male.

Houston said multiple search warrants were conducted on "various electronic devices," leading to Jernigan's arrest on Monday, July 15.

Houston said Jernigan is being held in the Smith County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance.

The victim has not been identified.

“We will continue to protect the safety of our children and citizens regardless of who the perpetrators may be,” Houston said in the statement.

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According to Reservoir Police Chief Carlos DiPuma, Jernigan is no longer employed with the department.