A Lowndes County couple has been arrested on child abuse related charges.
Jacob Hollingsworth, 34, was arrested Wednesday for child abuse. His girlfriend, Danielle Howard, 27, is accused of contributing to the neglect of a minor.
A school resource officer received information that a child at Caledonia Elementary School had been beaten by an adult male, sparking a forensic investigation, according to a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Hollingsworth had previously been convicted of domestic violence. Howard was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for credit card fraud.
Both are being held at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Hollingsworth’s bond is set at $100,000, and Howard’s bonds are $2,500 for each of her charges.
A third suspect, a 15-year-old, was also part of the investigation, and charges could be pressed soon. The case will be presented to a Lowndes County grand jury for consideration of the charge of sexual battery.
In a separate investigation, LCSO arrested Gauge Duncan Hill Barksdale, 18, for sexual battery. LSCO received a report alleging sexual abuse of a minor and conducted a forensic investigation.
Barksdale is being held at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center with bond set at $25,000.
“This type of child abuse is very troubling,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said in the press release. “The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office takes these types of cases very seriously. There is never a reason to abuse a child. Thankfully witnesses to these crimes contacted us, and we will do everything we can to hold these suspects accountable for their actions. This is a perfect example of ‘If you see something, say something.”
