Two arrested for sexual battery in unrelated cases in George County
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, George County Sheriff’s Office Deputies took a report regarding possible sexual battery of a minor child.
After further investigation, the GCSO Criminal Investigations Division arrested Richard William Nichelson (23) of Lucedale, MS, on one count of Sexual Battery and one count of Enticement of a Child to Meet for Sexual Purposes.
Nichelson was booked into the George County Regional Correctional Facility on June 2nd and, after an initial appearance before George County Justice Court Judge Mike Bullock, was given a $75,000.00 commercial bond for each charge.
On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Joseph Blake Fairley (29) of Lucedale, MS, turned himself in to the George County Sheriff’s Office after being indicted on one charge of Sexual Battery earlier in the year. Fairley was booked into the George County Regional Correctional Facility and was given a $50,000.00 commercial bond by Circuit Court Judge Kathy Jackson.
These are ongoing investigations. If you have any information about this or any other crime, please contact the George County Sheriff’s Office at 601.947.4811.
Anyone who feels they have been the victim of sexual abuse, either currently or in years past, is encouraged to report it to the proper authorities, and to seek assistance from a victims’ services organization.
The Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers is available for reporting anonymous crime tips by calling 877.787.5898. The Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers can be accessed by internet at the following address: mscoastcrimestoppers.com or through the George County Sheriff’s Office website www.GeorgeCountyMSSheriff.com.
