Stone County man arrested on molestation, sexual battery charges involving minor

STONE COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV) — A Stone County man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations involving the sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials said deputies received a report on July 18 regarding possible abuse allegations. Investigators identified the suspect as Jackie Ray Knight, 63, and developed probable cause to obtain arrest warrants.

Knight was arrested Friday, July 24, at his home in the Bond community.

He is charged with molestation and sexual battery by a person in a position of trust or authority, authorities said. Knight is being held at the Stone County Regional Correctional Facility.

The sheriff’s office said Knight will make an initial appearance before a Stone County Justice Court judge, who will consider bond.

Because the case involves a juvenile victim, authorities are asking the public to respect the victim’s privacy.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with credible information related to the case is asked to contact the Stone County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (601) 928-3191.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at (877) 787-5898.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.