An investigation at a McComb motel led to a Louisiana man’s arrest on human trafficking charges and the safe return of a young girl from Texas who had been missing for more than a year, Pike County sheriff’s officials said.
James Joseph Thibo of Lafayette, La, was charged with procuring prostitution and possession of a controlled substance on Nov. 12.
Chief Deputy Brad Bellipanni said the office’s narcotics unit got a tip about suspected human trafficking at the Days Inn in McComb.
An investigation led to the discovery that a girl there with Thibo had been reported missing in Texas.
Bellipanni said he expects more arrests to follow.
In recent arrests:
• Jewel Jamar Spears Jr, 28, of McComb, was charged with possession of a weapon by a felon and using false indemnification Tuesday by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
• Kadarrene Dwayne Parker, 31, of McComb, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon Monday by Pike County sheriff’s deputies.
• Nigel C. Fortenberry, 34, of McComb, was charged with possession of a controlled substance Sunday by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
• Zachary T. Gill, 18, of McComb, was charged with receiving stolen property by the PCSO Saturday.
• Robert J. Kipperinger, 41, of Jayess, was charged with receiving stolen property by the sheriff’s office Saturday.
• Sarah Scarberry, 21, of McComb, was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling, trespass, grand larceny and conspiracy by PCSO Saturday.
