Man gets 35 years for sex crimes involving children | Crime

A 61-year-old Jackson man was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual battery and gratification of lust involving three children.

Joe Earl Cole was found guilty following a multi-day trial and will serve 25 years in jail and 10 years suspended, said District Attorney Michael Guest in a press release.

In September 2010, the Pearl Police Department received information that Cole had molested several young girls.

Cole was arrested after the victims, three girls between 7 and 9 years old,  were interviewed by the Children’s Advocacy Center.

An investigation revealed Cole had fondled the three girls at his residence over a period of two years, Guest said.

Cole will be 85 years old when he is eligible for release. He will also have to register as a sex offender.

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