Suspect charged in human trafficking

A suspect was arrested and charged with human trafficking Monday, Oct. 23, according to Sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

He said 19-year-old Jenosha Shantae Hardge was arrested Monday following a full and detailed investigation and inquiry and charged with three felony counts.

Hardge, a student at Holly Springs High School, was charged after the Holly Springs School System contacted the sheriff’s department regarding the case, Dickerson said.

He said a 12-year-old male was a victim.

Hardge is charged with one count sexual battery, one count human trafficking and one count enticement, the sheriff said.

Human trafficking is defined as recruiting a minor, knowing that the minor will engage in commercial action in violation of MS Code Section 93-3-54(1). Enticement is defined in MS Code Section 97-5-33(1) as depicting a child engaging in sexual conduct, Dickerson said.

The arrest was made Monday after many hours of investigation of the alleged incidents, the sheriff said.

Hardge made an initial appearance and arraignment