JACKSON — The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and consecutive life sentences of a Jasper County man found guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing a minor, rejecting his claims that the trial court erred by refusing an alibi instruction and admitting photographic evidence.
In a decision handed down Tuesday, the court affirmed the convictions of William Garrett Mangum, who was found guilty on five felony counts, including two counts of touching a child for lustful purposes and three counts of sexual battery. Mangum, the former fiancé of the victim’s mother, was sentenced to three life terms and two 15‑year terms, all to run consecutively.
The case began in July 2021, when the 12‑year‑old victim gave her mother a camera memory card containing images documenting the abuse. The mother turned the card over to authorities, prompting an investigation that led to Mangum’s arrest. Investigators testified that Mangum admitted the items visible in the photos — including a pistol, holster and wallet — belonged to him.
At trial, the victim testified that Mangum began abusing her when she was 5 or 6 years old and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. She said she intentionally positioned the camera to capture the abuse so she would have proof. The victim’s aunt also testified that Mangum abused her years earlier, testimony the court allowed for the limited purpose of showing motive and intent.
Mangum’s defense centered on an alibi claim that he was working out of state during portions of the time frame listed in the indictment. Three witnesses testified on his behalf, but the trial judge denied his request for an alibi jury instruction, finding the testimony failed to account for the full period in question. The appellate court agreed, noting that Mangum himself had told investigators he was in Jasper County during part of the relevant time.
Mangum also argued on appeal that investigators violated his Fourth Amendment rights by viewing the memory card without a warrant. Because he did not raise the issue at trial, the court ruled the claim was procedurally barred and found no plain error.
The court concluded that the evidence presented at trial, including the victim’s testimony, corroborating photographs and Mangum’s own statements, supported the jury’s verdict.
Mangum remains in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections and is required to register as a sex offender.
