A Columbus man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile, according to Columbus Public Information Officer Joe Dillon.
James Earl Malone, 58, was arrested earlier this week after the victim’s parents contacted police, Dillon said.
The assault happened about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Dillon said. Malone knew the victim’s family members.
The assault allegedly happened in a car when Malone was driving the victim, who was younger than 14, to buy a meal, Dillon said.
Malone was arrested shortly after police were contacted, Dillon said.
He is in custody at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Bond is set at $1 million.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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