MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON AFTER ADMITTING TO SEXUALLY ABUSING FAMILY MEMBER

Dewayne RichardsonMississippi Delta DA 4th District

Greenville, MS—Rocky Hales, 62, of Greenville, MS, pled guilty to three counts of Sexual Battery and two counts of Fondling on Monday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.

In the Spring of 2013, Hales moved into the house with his daughter-in-law after his wife passed away. Hales was often left to supervise his grandchildren while his daughter-in-law was away from home. S.B., then a six year old child, would fall asleep in the living room on the couch with Hales or in his lap. Under the cover of darkness while all others were asleep, Hales digitally penetrated S.B. on at least three occasions. Adding insult to injury, Hales soon used S.B.’s hands to stimulate himself during the assaults.

Nearly ten years later, during a visit to her medical professional, S.B., disclosed her grandfather’s abuse. Child Protection Services and law enforcement were immediately contacted, and an investigation ensued.

Hales was extradited from Hot Springs, Arkansas and placed into the custody of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. After waiving his Miranda rights, Hales confessed to digitally penetrating and fondling S.B. on multiple occasions.

Hales pled guilty on Monday to three counts of Sexual Battery. He also pled guilty to two counts of Fondling.  At the sentencing hearing, S.B. confronted her abuser in a powerful speech and condemned Hales for his abuse. She stood as a survivor reclaiming her life and forging ahead with a badge of justice. Hales was sentenced to 20 years in MDOC custody, with 12 years to serve on each count of Sexual Battery and 10 years to serve on each count of Fondling. Upon release, Hales will be supervised for a five-year period.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Laura K. Cooper who commented, “Hales was a Thief in the Night who targeted S.B., isolated S.B., and robbed S.B. of her innocence and her voice. Sexual predators like Hales depend on the silence of their victims for protection from detection. S.B. is a fierce young lady who found her voice and obtained justice.”

The Office of the District Attorney is deeply appreciative for the countless hours and work conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center, Child Protection Services, and medical professionals in our community who champion safety for our children.