Three Lowndes County High Schoolers Charged With Statutory Rape

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Three New Hope High School students are charged with statutory rape.

18 year-olds Brenton Spann and Tyler Staples, along with Javonte Ellis, 17, are accused of having sex with a 15 year-old girl.

Lowndes County investigators say the sexual acts could have began when the girl was as young as 14.

Ellis was arrested at school.

Detectives tell WCBI this has been an ongoing investigation for a while. They would not say if more arrests or charges would be filed.

Lowndes County Schools Superintendent Lynn Wright says the district is aware of the investigation but could not offer any further comment.