A Lauderdale County woman with a history in local politics was arrested this week on multiple charges, including DUI and child endangerment.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, 68-year-old Rita Rawson was taken into custody around 9:58 p.m. on Sept. 1 in Rankin County.
She faces the following charges:
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Careless driving — bond $1,000
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Improper distance between vehicles — bond $1,000
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Disorderly conduct, failure to comply with law enforcement — bond $1,000
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DUI, first offense — bond $1,500
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DUI child endangerment — bond $5,000
Her total bond was set at $9,500.
Rawson has previously served as an alderwoman in Marion and was a candidate in this year’s municipal elections. Her campaign drew controversy in April when a video surfaced showing her using racial slurs, prompting widespread backlash. At the time, The Meridian Star reported that Marion Mayor Larry Gill called for Rawson to withdraw from the race, saying, “In the town of Marion, there’s no place for racism, bigotry, nor prejudiced behavior, especially from people who seek to serve our community.”
Fellow candidate Koredé Stennis also urged her to step aside, telling The Star, “Marion deserves leadership rooted in respect, inclusion and integrity — not in prejudice or hate.”
