JACKSON, Miss. (WDAM) - A Jasper County man convicted of statutory rape will remain behind bars after the Mississippi Supreme Court turned down his appeal.

In a recent ruling, the state’s highest court affirmed the conviction and 40-year sentence of Jonathan Harrelson.

Harrelson was found guilty by an 18th District Circuit Court jury following a three-day trial in 2024. He was accused of having sexual relations with a minor.

Harrelson had been sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Dal Williamson in a case overseen by then-District Attorney Anthony J. Buckley.

The case stemmed from events in September 2022 that involved Harrelson and two underage girls, a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old.

Events included Harrelson and the two minors staying in hotel rooms, first in Jones County and on a trip t

See Full Page