Man gets 30 years in sex abuse case

Published 12:56 pm Friday, December 15, 2023

: James Cole

A Vicksburg man will serve 30 years in prison following his conviction for attempted sexual battery of a victim under the age of 14.

Circuit Judge Toni Walker Terrett sentenced James Cole to 50 years in prison with 20 years suspended and 30 to serve during a sentencing hearing Thursday.

A Warren County jury convicted Cole on Nov. 23 after a four-day trial in which the victim and her mother testified. Ninth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ricky Smith said experts from the Children’s Advocacy Center also testified.

Branan Southerland and Liem Walker prosecuted the case for the state.

Cole was indicted by a September 2020 grand jury on a charge of statutory rape of a victim under 14.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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