A Starkville man is behind bars facing accusations of molesting a 7-year-old boy.
The Starkville Police Department arrested 60-year-old Johnny Harris on Tuesday after a felony warrant was issued for sexual battery.
Harris had his initial appearance in Starkville Municipal Court on Wednesday afternoon, where a detailed account of the accusations was provided by SPD Detective Carly Winship.
The investigator's account claims Harris - who is the victim's godfather - sexually abused the child in December.
Police first received a call from the victim's mother on Dec. 24 and an initial charge of simple assault against Harris was considered until a forensic interview was conducted. During the interview, details of the sexual assault were provided by the child.
The mother of the victim noticed certain issues with her child following the alleged incident, when she checked for "abnormalities."
After the mother inspected her child, he was transported to OCH Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
According to court documents provided to the Starkville Daily News through a public records request, the incident occurred at Harris' home at Sandhill Arms apartments in Starkville.
Harris is currently in the Oktibbeha County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
The next court appearance for Harris has not been scheduled at this time.
If found guilty of sexual battery, Harris could face up to a life sentence in prison, according to Mississippi Code 97-3-95 (1)(d).