A Rankin County man is looking forward to 30 years in custody after pleading guilty to statutory rape.

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Don Edd Woods, 51, pled guilty to Statutory Rape. Woods was sentenced to 30 years in the custody of the
Mississippi Department of Corrections for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. He will serve 15 years of this sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Woods will be under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for an additional five years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The case originated on November 26, 2023, when two concerned adults reported to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department that a child had disclosed to them that Woods had been sexually abusing her. The abuse began in 2022, but the child was too afraid to report it initially.

Following the report, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department launched a comprehensive investigation, which included a forensic interview conducted by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather critical information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma.

During the interview, the child disclosed the details of the abuse.

“We are committed to protecting children in our community and holding perpetrators accountable,” stated Bramlett. “We are grateful for the brave individuals who provided a safe space for this child to share her experience and for the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, which works tirelessly to guard our children from sexual predators.”