HERNANDO, Miss. — A former school resource officer with Hernando Police has been arrested on charges of rape and sexual battery, District Attorney Matthew Barton said.

Hosie Porter turned himself into authorities Monday and was in custody, Barton said.

Porter resigned from the Hernando Police Department after an accusation made from an event that happened last week, Barton said.

Porter was last assigned as a school resource officer, but the accusation involved an adult. There was no reason to believe any child had been harmed, Barton said.

Hernando Police said they were made aware of the assault allegation Sept. 24. They say they immediately notified the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and placed the officer on administrative leave until his resignation Monday.

The assault allegedly occurred while Porter was on duty, police said.

Of Porter’s arrest, Hernando Mayor, Chip Johnson issued a statement to social media .

It reads in part:

This is a situation that I have never encountered, and it is deeply disturbing to me, the police department, and to the citizens of Hernando. I know that you have so many questions and, quite frankly, so do I. While we all want answers immediately, we will have to be patient and let the MBI continue their work and then see if an indictment is handed down by a grand jury. We are all hurting together.”

Chip Johnson, Hernando Mayor

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