HERNANDO, Miss — A former police officer in Mississippi accused of sexually assaulting someone while on duty has been charged with sexual battery and rape after turning himself in to authorities on Monday, officials announced.
Hosie Porter was a police officer with the Hernando Police Department and working as a school resource officer when the alleged sexual assault happened last week, prosecutors said. Hernando is a city about 25 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee and the county seat of DeSoto County with a population of just over 17,000 people.
According to a police spokesperson, officials were informed on Sept. 24 about an alleged sexual assault involving Porter and an adult while the former officer was on duty. Officials emphasized during the press conference that they did not believe or suspect any children were involved or harmed.
During a news conference on Monday, DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said Porter was charged with sexual battery and rape.
Porter was placed on leave after police officials received the complaint from an adult about the alleged incident. He later resigned.
On Monday, Barton said Porter turned himself into authorities and was in custody. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) will be investigating the alleged incident.
Barton said a court date has been not been set.
More on the sexual assault allegations and mayor’s statement.
Blog dedicated to news and viewpoints from Black journalists who support, and inform, communities of color.
Original content, and curated articles, are posted and updated daily.