Former Student Sues For False Arrest
LOWNDES COUNTY (WCBI) – A former New Hope High student wants the Lowndes County Sheriffs Department , a detective and a justice court judge to pay for what he says was a false arrest.
Javonte Ellis was picked up in March of 2015 on a statutory rape charge. The charge was dropped in April 2015 when it was discovered that Ellis had not actually committed a crime. That’s because the standout student and athlete, who was expelled from school and not allowed to take part in graduation ceremonies, was less than 36 months older than the girl detectives said he had sex with. State law says it is statutory rape only if someone under 17 is 36 months older than the victim. The suit names the department, Sheriff Mike Arledge, Detective Will Spann and Justice Court Judge Ron Cooke as defendants. Ellis’ attorney Victor Fleitas of Tupelo wants a jury to decide the damages in the case if Ellis wins.
To see a copy of the suit click link below
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