Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

Cool campaign from one of our partners, Lamar Advertising of Mississippi Gulf Coast.

06/15/2026

Good job George County Sheriff's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
George County Sheriff’s Office
Date: June 15, 2026

Out-of-State Suspect Charged Following Online Child Exploitation Investigation

The George County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has announced charges filed in Vermont against an out of state suspect following a multi-agency investigation involving the online exploitation of a minor.

In September 2025, the George County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a concerned parent regarding an adult male who had been communicating with their minor child through the social media platform TikTok. The report indicated the possibility that the individual may have also been contacting additional minor children.

Investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division initiated an investigation and were able to identify the suspect as a male believed to reside in the State of Vermont.

The George County Sheriff’s Office subsequently coordinated with law enforcement authorities in Vermont, which resulted in the ex*****on of a search warrant at the suspect’s residence.

In coordination with the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, James Townsend (41) of Woodstock, Vermont, has been charged with the following offenses:

-One (1) felony count of Luring a Child
-Five (5) felony counts of Possession of Sexual Abuse Materials
-One (1) misdemeanor count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Authorities in Vermont allege that between June and October 2025, Townsend attempted to lure a 9-year-old child to engage in sexual acts and was found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material involving children ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old.

This investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Sheriff Mitchell Mixon stated, “This case serves as a critical reminder to all parents and guardians about the dangers that exist online. Individuals who intend to harm children often hide behind fake profiles and anonymous accounts, making it difficult to know who is truly on the other side of the screen. I strongly encourage parents to closely monitor their children’s internet usage, including social media platforms, messaging applications, and online gaming. In many cases, limiting or restricting access altogether may be the safest option. The George County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently with our state and federal partners to protect our children from online predators.”

The George County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and partnering law enforcement agencies for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.

Al are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/15/2026

🌭 3rd Annual National Hot Dog Day in the Bay 🌭

The Bay St. Louis Police Department invites you and your family to join us for a day of food, fun, and community at MLK Park!

Come out and enjoy:
🌭 Hot Dogs
💦 Water Slides
🎈 Family Activities
👮 Meet Your Local Officers

Be sure to stick around for our friendly Hot Dog Eating Contest featuring Bay St. Louis Police Officers and community members!

We look forward to spending the day with our community and making this year's event the best one yet.

See you at the 3rd Annual National Hot Dog Day in the Bay!

06/15/2026

There’s a common myth that you have to wait 24–48 hours before reporting a missing adult.

You do not have to wait.

If someone’s disappearance is unusual, concerning, or out of character—report it immediately. Time matters, and early reporting can help preserve information, identify leads, and start the investigative process sooner.

Adults can go missing for many reasons, and every situation deserves attention.

Know the facts.
Trust your instincts.
Act quickly. 💙

06/11/2026

The Biloxi Police Department would like to remind participants, spectators, and residents that Scrapin' the Coast 2026 will take place June 26–28, 2026, in Biloxi.

Motorists should expect increased traffic congestion and delays throughout the city during the event weekend, particularly along U.S. Highway 90 and surrounding areas. Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly, allow extra travel time, and exercise patience while traveling through the city.

The Biloxi Police Department also reminds visitors and residents to comply with all traffic and parking regulations. Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas and during authorized hours only. Vehicles found in violation of parking regulations may be subject to citation and towing.

Additionally, no pop-up events are authorized within the City of Biloxi during Scrapin' the Coast weekend. Unauthorized gatherings may result in enforcement action by law enforcement officials.

This year's event marks the second Scrapin' the Coast since the implementation of Mississippi's "Squatted Vehicle Law." Under Mississippi Code Section 63-7-105, a "squatted vehicle" is defined as a vehicle whose front fenders are raised four (4) or more inches higher than the rear fenders. Additionally, under 63-7-105, (a) the height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from, and perpendicular to, the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender, (b) "fender" means the pressed and formed part mounted over the road wheels of a motor vehicle to reduce the splashing of mud, water or similar substances. Operators of vehicles found in violation of this statute will be cited.

The Biloxi Police Department appreciates the cooperation of all attendees, residents, and visitors in helping ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

Have fun, enjoy the shows and events, but let's all work together to make sure we do it safely!