Source: Oxford Police Department
After an investigation and corroboration with the District Attorney’s Office, the Oxford Police Department arrested Michael Anthony Smith, a 37-year-old academic advisor for the University of Mississippi, for enticement of a child.
On Aug. 20, the Oxford Police Department received information from a citizen about a possible crime, according to an OPD press release. Investigators with OPD and the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit began looking into the complaint.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health Child Enticement is defined as, “a crime for any person who maliciously, willfully, or fraudulently leads, takes, carries away, decoys or entices away, any child under the age of fourteen (14) years, with intent to detain or conceal such child from its parents, guardian, or other person having lawful charge of such child, or for the purpose of prostitution, concubinage or marriage.”
Smith was arrested and transported to the Lafayette County Detention Center where he is awaiting bail.
“The university learned of the arrest late Tuesday, and the employee has been placed on leave and is not allowed on campus,” Jacob Batte, director of UM news and media relations, said. “The university will provide no further comment at this time.”
