JACKSON — The Mississippi Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear an appeal from Toney Jennings, who was convicted in 2011 of 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.
The state Court of Appeals in January upheld Jennings’ conviction. It rejected Jennings’ arguments that there was no evidence to support the girl’s testimony.
The Appeals Court said Jennings admitted to having sexual intercourse with the girl and the girl gave a detailed account of the rape in her testimony.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.