LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. — A 22-year veteran policeman is behind bars on a charge of forcible rape.
Averal “Junior” Burnett, 47, in Justice Court in Lamar County Tuesday, was denied bond because he was deemed a flight risk; and had allegedly threatened his victim and other law enforcement officers. But during Tuesday’s hearing, Burnett said, “I have not threatened anyone… The only thing I ever questioned was the chain of evidence. “
Burnett was arrested Sunday evening by state troopers and is being held at the Pearl River County Jail.
He worked with the Hattiesburg Police Department before accepting a job with the Lamar County Sheriff’s department. He retired last month.
