Police: Man arrested for sexual battery of teen girl

Published 9:30 pm Wednesday, May 10, 2017

SAUCIER (AP) — A man was arrested after authorities say he used threats to coerce a teenager into sexual activity over a period of three years.

The Sun Herald reports 56-year-old Ernesto Rosalio Martinez was arrested Monday on three counts of sexual battery of a 15-year-old girl. According to the affidavit, the sexual assaults occurred at a relative’s home in Saucier from 2014 to 2016.

Harrison County Detective Lt. Coley Judy says Martinez told the girl she would never see a certain family member again if she told police about the sexual advances. Martinez had been dating one of the girl’s family members.

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Judy says police were contacted by the girl’s mother. Authorities conducted a forensic interview with the girl and later charged Martinez.