OKTIBBEHA COUNTY — A Starkville man was sentenced Tuesday to serve 90 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting his former girlfriend’s three daughters.

An Oktibbeha County Circuit Court jury found Alando Rodgers, 35, guilty of three counts of sexual assault. The trial lasted two days, and the jury deliberated for about 25 minutes, District Attorney Scott Colom told The Dispatch.

Judge Lee “Jay” Howard sentenced Rodgers to 25 years each on two of the counts and 40 on the last count, all to be served consecutively.

“This sentence sends a clear message: crimes against children will not be tolerated in the Golden Triangle or Noxubee County,” Colom said in a Wednesday press release. “The courage of these young victims and the dedication of law enforcement and medical professionals were instrumental in securing this conviction.”

The crimes Rodgers was charged with occurred over a two-year period between 2019 and 2020, Starkville Police Department Public Information Officer Brandon Lovelady told The Dispatch following Rodgers’ arrest in 2021. The three victims ranged in age from 6 to 10 at the time of the abuse, the release said.

Evidence presented against Rodgers throughout the case included the results of medical examinations showing one of the children had contracted syphilis, a disease Rodgers also had, “solidifying the case against him,” the release said. The victims also testified in the case.

The case also involved the district attorney’s office collaborating with child advocacy specialists, forensic experts, and SPD, the release said.

“This case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children,” Colom said. “It is our duty as a community to remain alert, educate ourselves on the signs of abuse, and ensure that no child suffers in silence. We urge anyone who suspects abuse to come forward and report it immediately.”

In cases of suspected child abuse, contact Child Protective Services at (601) 432-4570 or your local law enforcement agency.