An Oxford, Mississippi man is currently being held in the Lafayette County Detention Center on charges of rape, following an incident reported to have occurred last week. Cory Lemond Smith, 47, was arrested after a sexual assault was reported to the authorities by Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on May 29, as detailed by the WREG news.
The Lafayette County Sheriff's Criminal Investigation Unit subsequently conducted an investigation, which eventually led to Smith turning himself over to the sheriff's office on May 31. He has since to quickly secure legal representation in light of the allegations. Smith's bond has been set at $100,000, as Delta Daily News reported.
The details of the case remain sparse as the Sheriff’s Department has not released much information surrounding the specifics of the assault. However, the charge against Smith has been clarified as rape-assault with intent to ravish, a term that was echoed by the WCBI's coverage of the arrest.
As the case progresses, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is likely to withhold further information to not compromise the ongoing investigation or future legal proceedings. In the meanwhile, Smith remains detained, having to comprehensively prove his innocence or negotiate the terms of his release pending the outcome of a trial. The community awaits more details as this case develops.
