A local pastor, Lennel McGee, has been arrested by US Marshals after he was accused of raping a Jackson high school student, authorities said.
McGee gave himself up at Hinds County Sherriff’s Department on a warrant from the Jackson Police Department, according to reports.
In March, a Forest Hill student walked into the school and began crying. She told the school’s officials that McGee, who also held a custodial position at the school until his resignation in March, had taken her to a hotel room and had had sex with her.
JPD got involved in the case after Jackson Public Schools had launched an investigation into the claims and then handed it over to them.
McGee appeared in court for an arraignment and was given a $50,000 bond, according to court records. By Friday night, he was out of the Hinds County Detention Center where he had been held.
Besides being a pastor at Livingston Greater Missionary Baptist Church in Flora, Miss., McGee also served in the Greater Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist in Terry, Miss.
At present there is no information regarding when McGee is expected to appear in court.
If convicted, McGee will have to register as a Sex Offender for the forcible rape of the student.
Statistics show that as of April 30, 2014, there were 376 registered sex offenders living in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2012 there were 135 reports of rape and sexual assault in the city. The crime rate in Jackson is much higher than the Mississippi average and also much higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous cities to live in the United States.
But, residents and visitors might find some solace in the fact that compared to previous years the crime rate has been on a steady decline.
