(Jackson, Mississippi) Attorney General Lynn Fitch today announced the sentencings of two individuals who were identified, investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office, one for promoting prostitution and the other for downloading and storing child sexual exploitation materials.
“Predators who seek to exploit the people of Mississippi will not go unpunished,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Every day, our team works with law enforcement from across the state to uncover those hiding in the shadows and to seek justice for those who have been robbed of their power and self-worth. It is my hope and prayer that on their journey to find healing, these victims know and understand their dignity and value.”
On January 18, 2024, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Calvin Taylor sentenced John Rouse to 30 years in the custody of Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) with five years to serve followed by 25 years of post-release supervision for two counts of child exploitation. Rouse must also register as a sex offender. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the execution of the search warrant.
On January 30, 2024, DeSoto County Circuit Court Judge Celeste Wilson sentenced Edward Ewing to nine years in the custody of the MDOC with one year to serve and eight years of post-release supervision for one count of promoting prostitution. Ewing’s arrest and prosecution is the result of an undercover operation conducted by General Fitch’s Human Trafficking Task Force in Southaven, Mississippi. In the past two years, General Fitch’s Human Trafficking multi-jurisdictional operations have led to the recovery of 328 victims and 85 arrests.