MS Coast man sexually assaulted children for years. Then, one child spoke up
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Man admits to long-term child sexual abuse; pleads guilty to four counts.
- Judge sentences 72-year-old to four life terms without parole for crimes.
- Victims broke years of silence; a report to police prompted the probe.
A 72-year-old Pass Christian man is headed to prison for life after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual battery before Judge Lisa Dodson.
The judge handed down the four life sentences after RJ Sanders entered the pleas this week in Harrison County Circuit Court.
Because the case involves a sex crime, he will have to serve the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Pass Christian police began an investigation after receiving a report of Sanders sexually assaulting minor children in his hometown and in Gulfport over an eight-year period ending in 2021, according to Harrison County Assistant District Attorney Haley Broom.
The crimes occurred while Sanders was supposed to be caring for and supervising the children while their parents worked.
Sanders would take the children he groomed for sexual assault by taking them to get ice cream, playing games with them like dress up, and making music videos with them.
According to the prosecutor, the abuse remained secret for years until one victim stepped up to report what was happening to a relative.
Other victims came forward and underwent forensic interviews at the Child Advocacy Center, during which the victims confirmed the sexual abuse they had suffered for years at Sanders’ hands, Broom said.
Sanders entered the plea just before he was set to go to trial next week.
During his plea, the prosecutor said Sanders showed little remorse for his actions.
“This is one of the worst cases I’ve seen,” Judge Dodson said prior to sentencing Sanders.
“Sanders violated the trust and safety of these victims and their families,” Broom said. “The victims’ strength in breaking years of silence has ensured accountability and these convictions. While nothing will ever erase the harm suffered by these innocent children, we hope these convictions provide the victims a measure of healing and justice for their courage in coming forward.”
