Pedophiles plead guilty to video sex crimes

Two Neshoba County men have pleaded guilty to sex crimes in connection with the production of child pornography involving underage females.

Eddie Mowdy, 61, and Odie Landrum, 60, were arrested in January in connection with the sex crimes that occurred between July 2022 and January 2023 involving a 5-year-old female and a 16-year-old female.

Mowdy was already registered as a sex offender when the crimes occurred.

A family member of the children discovered nude photos and videos of the children, leading them to call and report them to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Officers responded, seized the phone, obtained search warrants, and found more phones in Mowdy and Landum’s possession. 

The pictures and videos found showed Mowdy involved in sex acts with the 5-year-old and Landrum was revealed as the photographer and videographer.

Forensic evidence from the phones revealed enough evidence to charge both suspects and after interrogation, they ultimately confessed to the crimes.

Both were denied bond and were being held in the Neshoba County Detention Center.

Eddie Mowdy was previously convicted of statutory rape in October 2006 in connection with a Scott County case.

He served 12 years and was released from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody in February 2018.

Mowdy, 10251 Road 363, pleaded guilty to the maximum sentence on nine felony charges: Three counts of attempted sexual battery, three counts of gratification of lust, one count of sexual battery, and two counts of exploitation of a child.

The charges carry four life sentences plus 125 years in prison with no eligibility for early release.

Landrum, 10251 Road 363, pleaded guilty to one count of exploitation of a child. The charge carries 30 years to be served day for day with no eligibility for early release. 

In the event Landrum is released from prison after his 30-year sentence, he will be forced to register as a sex offender, the authorities said.