Wanted: Man accused in sexual assault of a vulnerable adult in George County

A man accused of sexually assaulting a vulnerable adult has failed to turn himself in, Sheriff Keith Havard said.

The sheriff is asking the public to help find 44-year-old Michael Ray Scott, who has ties to the Benndale community and connections to surrounding areas, including Hattiesburg.

Scott knows the victim and has been wanted on a warrant for a month, said Havard, who declined to release details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Scott has a heavy build and is 5-foot-11 and has black hair and eyes.

Havard identified Scott as a suspect on July 20. A picture of him was not available then.

Anyone who sees Scott or has information is asked to call the George County Sheriff’s Office at 601-947-4811 or contact the Sheriff’s Office online at www.GeorgeCountyMSSheriff.com.

Or give an anonymous tip by calling Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898 or online at www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com.

Scott is sought on a charge that violates Mississippi’s Vulnerable Adult Protection Act. The act protects adults and minors who are unable to perform daily activities or protect themselves due to a physical, mental or developmental disability, dysfunction, brain damage, or illnesses associated with the aging process. And it sets penalties for those who abuse them.

This story was originally published August 15, 2018 at 10:57 AM.