Appeal Denied in Lowndes Stat Rape Case

By The Associated Press

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. — The state Court of Appeals has upheld the 15-year sentence given Toney Jennings in 2011 for statutory rape.

A Lowndes County Circuit Court jury convicted Jennings of one count of statutory rape of a then-13-year-old girl. Judge Lee Coleman sentenced Jennings to 15 years with five years suspended and five years under post-release supervision.

The victim reported the incident June 9, 2010, at which time she went to the hospital.

Jennings argued in his appeal there was no evidence to support the girl’s claims.

The Appeals Court, in Tuesday’s ruling, said Jennings admitted to having sexual intercourse with the girl and the girl gave a detailed account of the rape in her testimony.

The Appeals Court also rejected Jennings’ claim that his confession should not have been used on evidence.