Madison County woman arrested in Neshoba County human trafficking investigation

Madison County woman arrested in Neshoba County human trafficking investigation

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A Madison County woman was arrested in a multi-agency undercover operation and human-trafficking investigation that led to eight arrests in Neshoba County, said Eric Clark, Neshoba County Sheriff.

Megell Fernandez Patton, 29, of 1391 Pocahontas Road, Flora, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution. Patton was arrested on Friday, Sept. 17, in the early morning hours. She was released by a judge, as were many of the other suspects, on Sept. 18 around 4:30 p.m.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, Choctaw Police Department and Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office targeted those responsible for human and sex trafficking in Neshoba County, officials said.

“Another example of local officials working together to make Neshoba County a safer place to live,” Clark said. “Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office will continue to train our officers in the detection of and response to human trafficking.”

On Sept. 16 and Sept. 17, local law enforcement officers targeted those listed below to disrupt illegal trafficking activity in Neshoba County, Clark said.

“Traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act,” Clark said. “Anyone can be a victim of trafficking.”

The remaining seven arrested were:

• Amanda Hollingsworth, 42, of 2710 39th St., Meridian, was the only person charged with two charges. She was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution and possession of methamphetamine.

• Kennarion Johnson, 23, of 909 21st St., Meridian, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

• Clifford Jenning, age unavailable, of 2145 Gater Lane, Jackson, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

• Sabrina Scarbrough, age unavailable, of 1653 Rip Lane Lot H, Meridian, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

• Melton Starkey, 26, of 1903 9th Avenue, Meridian, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine.

• Kristina Anne Walker, 36, of 995 County Road 363, Enterprise, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

• Eric Towner, 28, of 564 Futch Road, Forest, was arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

If you are a victim or need to report a tip, text-HELP to BEFREE (233733) or call- 1-888-373-7888.






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