Ex-cop indicted for allegedly coercing teenage girl for sex
Published 6:00 pm Monday, July 20, 2020
A former Mississippi police officer accused of soliciting a 16-year-old girl for sex has been indicted on federal charges including attempted coercion and enticement, according to court documents made public Monday.
Former Jackson Police Department officer Mark Coleman, 57, was also charged with destruction, alteration or falsification of records, according to the indictment filed July 14 and unsealed Monday.
A May 9 affidavit accused the officer of coercing a teen and giving her a cellphone so she could meet with him to engage in sexual activity, The Clarion-Ledger previously reported.
Investigators alleged Coleman later deleted text messages and images of an underage girl from his cellphone and disconnected a phone he was accused of setting up for her to use, WLBT-TV reported, citing court documents.
Coleman was charged with exploitation of a minor in May and ordered to stay away from his accuser and her family, news outlets reported at the time.
It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.