Crime

Two Panola County men charged in Lafayette County sexual assault investigation

Jon Myers

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office arrested two Panola County men after responding to a report of a sexual assault, charging both with statutory rape and one with sexual battery, according to the agency.

Joshua Parker, 19, was charged with one count of statutory rape. Charles D. Byrd, 18, was charged with one count of statutory rape and one count of sexual battery. Both were booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center.

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Parker and Byrd appeared for initial appearances in Lafayette County Justice Court. A judge set Parker’s bond at $75,000 and Byrd’s at $150,000.

The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be brought as the investigation continues. Arrested and charged people are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: Lafayette County Sheriff's Office.

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Jon Myers

Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."