Supreme Court Reinstates Fondling Conviction

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — The state Supreme Court reinstates a Lafayette County man’s fondling conviction.

Three years ago, 49-year-old David Campbell was convicted of fondling by a person in a position of authority for inappropriate relations with his foster daughter in 2006 when she was 16.

The girl was being treated at the Millcreek Center in Pontotoc at the time and was staying with Campbell, his wife and children while the Campbells were being officially certified as foster parents. During the trial in Lafayette County Circuit Court, she testified the actions with Campbell were consensual.

The state prosecuted the case because of Campbell’s role as a foster parent.

He was sentenced to two years in prison and two years probation.

Last year, the state Court of Appeals reversed the conviction, saying there was not enough evidence to show Campbell held a position of trust or authority over the girl.

Thursday, the Supreme Court overruled that decision and ordered the conviction to be reinstated.