For Immediate Release                                
October 28, 2008                      
For more information, please contact
Michael Guest at (601) 825-1472

Pearl Man Convicted of Two Counts of Sexual Battery Receives 35 -Year Sentence

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that Tommy Junior McCrory of Pearl, who was found guilty following a three-day trial in September, received a 35-year sentence for two counts of sexual battery against two minor children.  The last five years will be suspended. 

McCrory was sentenced today by Circuit Court Judge William E. Chapman, III.

McCrory will be required to spend every day of his sentence in prison for his crimes and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Guest stated, “McCrory is a dangerous individual who should never have access to another child.  We must continue to punish criminals who prey upon children to make sure they can’t harm others.”

Guest concluded, “This sentence should send a strong message to sexual predators that we will catch you and you will suffer strong consequences for the abuse of a child.  As District Attorney, my office will continue to work closely with law enforcement to prosecute sexual offenders and we will not tolerate crimes against children.”

In November 2006, the Pearl Police Department received information that McCrory was sexually abusing the two children, and then launched an investigation.  The Pearl Police Department later obtained a warrant for McCrory’s arrest.

McCrory was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance.

District Attorney Michael Guest was sworn into office in January 2008 and represents the Twentieth Judicial District, Madison and Rankin Counties.  For more information regarding the District Attorney’s office, please visit www.daguest.com.