Attorney for former Biloxi city official speaks out on child molestation charges
Former Biloxi city official Frederick Cliff Kirkland spoke out through his attorney Monday regarding criminal charges accusing him of a molesting a minor.
“My client, Cliff Kirkland, unequivocally denies the charges brought against him in this case and looks forward to defending himself in the proper forum,” Keith Pisarich said Monday.
Biloxi police arrested Kirkland, 67, four days after someone went to the police department to report what was described in the report as a “suspicious circumstance.”
According to the incident report the city turned over to the Sun Herald after a public records request, Biloxi police Officer Brian Norton arrived at the police department at 9:06 a.m. Dec. 13 “in reference to suspicious circumstances surrounding lustful purposes of a minor child.”
The alleged crime occurred at a home on Thomas Street, the report said. Kirkland lives on Thomas Street.
“Upon arrival,” the report said, “(a) known complainant stated a known juvenile victim reported a known suspect touching him/her in an inappropriate manner.”
The age of the alleged minor victim was not included in the report.
The Sun Herald does not identify alleged victims of sex crimes.
Four days after the complaint was made, Biloxi police arrested Kirkland on two counts of touching of a child for lustful purposes, or molestation.
Kirkland was jailed in Harrison County and later released on a total bond of $100,000.
Biloxi police said they are not releasing any other information in the case.
Kirkland started working for Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich as a member of his transition team following his election in May 2015.
A short time later, Gilich hired Kirkland to fill a newly-created position of Civic Innovation and Development Officer in the city at an annual salary of $96,000.
That salary had increased since his initial hire.
Kirkland was on personal leave immediately following his arrest, but resigned Dec. 20.
Gilich has called the charges against Kirkland “shocking” and assured the public that the man he has known for over 30 years would receive no “special treatment” in his criminal case.
Over the years, Kirkland has served in various capacities in the city.
Biloxi police have asked that anyone with information in the case to call them at 228-435-6112.
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 12:32 PM.
