Deputies arrest man for statutory rape of 13-year-old

A 26-year-old Philadelphia man has been charged with the statutory rape of a girl roughly half his age.

The man, Rashad Brand, 403 Austin Street, was arrested and charged with statutory rape and two warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark.

Clark said more charges are possible as the investigation continues.

The incident was reported on Nov. 15 that Brand had had sexual relations with a 13-year-old female on Nov. 5, according to Clark. 

He said Brand was arrested at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at his mother’s house on Rea Street on the two warrants for failure to appear in court.

Following an investigation that is ongoing Clark said they charged Brand with statutory rape. Clark said they are currently conducting forensic interviews. He said they have collected evidence from Brand’s phone and the victim’s phone as well as DNA evidence and are continuing to investigate the incident. Child Protective Services has been notified and is assisting with the investigation as well, Clark said.