Two arrested on multiple charges following alleged child abuse investigation in George County

GEORGE COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- A man and a woman from George County have been arrested following an investigation into alleged abused involving two children.

The George County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a referral from child protective services on May 12 about allegations of physical and sexual abuse.

Investigators identified and arrested 62-year-old Kenneth Newburn and 58-year-old Rita Newburn.

Kenneth is charged with five counts of sexual battery, one count of grooming, and one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Rita is facing two counts of child abuse.

Both made their initial court appearances Friday.

Deputies say multiple firearms were found during a search of the Newburn’s residence.

According to George County Sheriff’s Office, Kenneth was previously convicted of robbery in the third degree and an additional charge is pending an appearance before a justice court judge as a result.

They are being held at the George County Regional Correctional Facility.