According to the Laurel Police Department, on Sunday, March 24 at approximately 1:50 p.m., LPD officers were alerted to a rape/kidnapping that had occurred in the 2000 Block of Briarwood Drive.
It was alleged that the juvenile victim (name withheld) met the suspect through social media and came to Laurel with him. At the residence, the victim was allegedly held and raped. The victim escaped the residence and contacted law enforcement. The next day, on Monday, March 25, one suspect, Edgar Rosas, 19, a Hispanic male, was arrested at the residence, and Elder J. Vasques, 19, also a Hispanic male, was arrested at a location in the Pendorff area.
Vasques faces one count of rape and one count of kidnapping. Rosas faces one count of accessory before the fact of rape. Both suspects will have their initial appearance in Jones County Justice Court today. Investigators Evans and Weaver are assigned to the case.
This incident should serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of social media, cautioned the report issued by the LPD. The police department would like to thank the JCSO and ICE for their assistance in this case. Any persons with information about this or any other case are encouraged to call LPD at 601-399-4440 or Crime Stoppers at 601-428-STOP.