RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A man was found guilty by a Rankin County jury for sexually assaulting a juvenile.

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Matthew Gardner, 26, will be sentenced on June 23, 2025. He is facing up to 45 years in prison.

On September 19, 2023, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office received a call to a home regarding a juvenile sexual assault victim. It was reported that the abuse took place at the victim’s residence, where Gardner was also living.

Law enforcement interviewed the defendant and others, executed search warrants for electronics, Gardner’s home and vehicle, and took photographs. They also retrieved physical evidence from the home the victim shared with Gardner.

After two days of testimony, a jury found Gardner guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust. He will be required to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim.