A man who testified at his own trial Tuesday is on the run after he failed to show up for closing arguments and his ultimate conviction.
Agents with the U.S. Marshals Task Force are looking for Elonzo A. Latham, 31, 16th Circuit District Attorney Scott Colom told The Dispatch. A Lowndes County Circuit Court jury convicted Latham Tuesday for sexual battery of a child younger than 13.
He faces 20 years to life in prison, according to a press release from Colom’s office, and will face a sentencing hearing after he is apprehended.
Latham was charged for the sexual battery of a 12-year-old female victim over a period of a year, Colom said. The battery resulted in a pregnancy, which was terminated in Alabama, and DNA from the fetus matched Latham.
Both the victim, now 13, and Latham testified at the trial, Colom said, with Latham denying the charge.
Latham, who was out on bond, did not return to court after his testimony, and Judge Michelle Easterling issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Colom said the jury deliberated for less than 15 minutes before returning a guilty verdict.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
