Diamondhead Councilman Alan Moran resigns from office more than a month after arrest
Diamondhead Ward 2 councilman Alan Moran submitted his resignation Wednesday, effective immediately, city attorney Derek Cusick announced in a statement.
Moran’s resignation comes over a month after his Feb. 14 arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy who had gone to work for him at Philip’s Pest Control Co., LLC.
Philip’s Pest Control is owned by Moran’s father, state Sen. Philip Moran.
Moran is out of jail on a $5,000 bond on misdemeanor charges of simple assault and contributing to a minor. His attorney, Donald Rafferty, said last week that his client had been away receiving medical treatment.
Moran is set to go to trial on the misdemeanor charges in August.
However, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its criminal investigation, and other charges could follow against Moran.
The parents of the alleged sex assault victim have also filed a civil lawsuit against Moran, and attorney David Baria has subpoenaed Sheriff Ricky Adam for all criminal complaints the sheriff’s department has received against Moran.
Since his Valentine’s Day arrest, Moran had missed all city council meetings.
Cusick said the city council will declare the Ward 2 council seat vacant Wednesday night and order a special election to replace him at the next council meeting .
Before his resignation, the council voted to replace Moran as mayor pro-tem for the city.
Moran was in his second term as Ward 2 councilman.
