By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
April 1, 2001
Authorities are investigating separate cases involving Meridian men suspected of sex crimes.
According to reports from the Lauderdale County Sheriff's office, Liness J. Malbrough Jr., 33, was arrested at his Fairchild Road, Apartment 41-B., Meridian home Friday.
Warrants signed by Justice Court Judge Gerald Wayne Thompson allege Malbrough "lustfully touched" three of his nieces and step-nieces while the children were in his care several weeks ago.
The children are 4, 5 and 10 years old, said Investigator Jim Stephens.
Malbrough was being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on $10,000 bond for the first case and $20,000 bond each for the second and third case.
Meanwhile, little information was available from city authorities concerning a charge of statutory rape filed against Courtney R. Coleman.
Arrest reports said Coleman, 18, of 4422 26th St., Meridian, was taken into custody by Det. James Gowdy. Reports said the incident occurred in 2000.
Coleman also remained jailed at the Lauderdale County Detention Center at Saturday. His bond was set at $10,000.
Repeated attempts to obtain more details about the case from police late Friday were unsuccessful.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.