This week 41-year-old Jerome Mack Austin, was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Battery, after a two-day trial. Circuit Judge Kathy King Jackson sentenced Austin to thirty years, day for day, on each count to run consecutive to each other, for a total sentence of sixty years, day for day. Upon his release, he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
The sexual abuse occurred between November 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. The defendant was the biological father of the victim, who was twelve years old at the time of the abuse. The victim disclosed the abuse while visiting her mother in Wisconsin and the Gautier Police Department investigated the case.
“This defendant was the father of the victim and instead of protecting her, he sexually abused her,” said District Attorney Tony Lawrence. “I hope this 60 year day for day sentence sends the message to criminals to leave children alone.”
After a Jackson County returned an indictment against him, the Defendant was ultimately located in Oregon and had to be extradited to Mississippi to face these charges.
Assistant District Attorneys NeShondria “Shon” Ellerby and George Huffman prosecuted the case.
“This trial required the collaboration of local law enforcement, a local medical professional, and representatives from agencies in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin, and we could not have held this defendant accountable without their help,” said Assistant District Attorney Shon Ellerby. “The victim and her family waited a long time for today’s verdict and sentencing. She is a survivor, and I hope today represents a fresh start with the satisfaction that justice was served.”
