Gulf Coast man accused of raping child, faking suicide added to U.S. Marshals’ Most Wanted List

Update: The U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney will hold a press conference at 12:00 noon where they are expected to announce new developments in the case. WXXV will attend the conference and provide updates later today.

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — A South Mississippi man has been added to the U.S. Marshals’ Top 15 Most Wanted List.

Jacob Blair Scott is currently wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for sexual battery, touching a child for lustful purposes, and exploitation of a child.

Scott also is wanted by the United States Marshals’ Service for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in the Southern District of Mississippi and these accusations arose when Scott’s stepdaughter became pregnant.

It is believed that Scott, a military veteran who received a purple heart for injuries obtained while deployed with the military, faked his suicide by launching a boat in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

While it is believed Scott has fled the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he could be hiding in Tennessee, Texas or Colorado.

Scott is considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached.

Currently the United States Marshals’ Service is offering a $25,000.00 reward for information leading directly to the arrest of Jacob Blair Scott.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the United States Marshals’ Service at 1-877-WANTED-2 or online via the web or app at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.  Anyone with information can remain anonymous.

Jacob Blair Scott is currently wanted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for Sexual Battery, Touching a child for lustful purposes, and exploitation of a child.