Man Released From Prison Pending New Trial

Hibbler

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — A 78-year-old minister who already has spent more than five years in prison is set free pending a new trial in a child sex case.

In March 2008, R. C. Hibbler was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a Noxubee County jury found him guilty of statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl in 2005.

But last year, the state Court of Appeals ruled Hibbler’s original attorney failed to properly represent him and ordered a new trial.

Last week, a judge ruled Hibbler should be released from prison pending his new trial Sept. 16.

Hibbler and his family can’t have any contact with the girl in the case and he must check in with the Noxubee County sheriff’s department on Sept. 9.