A now former Jasper County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been arrested and charged with one count of felony domestic violence against his wife.
Andrew L. Spurlin, 36, made an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon at the Jasper County Courthouse in Bay Springs in front of Second Judicial District Justice Court Judge Marvin L. Jones. A $2,000 bond was set for Spurlin, and he was later released from the Jasper County jail.
Spurlin is accused of beating and choking his wife, Reed Spurlin, in an incident that occurred at their residence on County Road 21 in Jasper County. Spurlin was taken into custody by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department at a separate residence located a short distance from where the alleged incident occurred.
“Jasper County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, and one of my deputies made contact with Mrs. Spurlin and talked to her about what had happened. He got photos of the injuries she sustained in this alleged domestic violence,” said Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson. “I arrived on the scene, spoke to my deputy, and asked him about the extent of it, and he said it was a serious incident. We then went next door to where Andy Spurlin was. He came out of the house and was placed under arrest for simple domestic.”
Johnson then immediately turned over the investigation to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation [MBI], due to Spurlin being an employee of his department.
“MBI was called to handle the investigation because he was a deputy with this department. From what I understand, MBI had contacted Mrs. Spurlin last night [Monday]. They interviewed him today, and he was charged with felony domestic,” Johnson explained.
Johnson also said following the arrest that Spurlin was transported to the Smith County Jail for housing until his initial court appearance Tuesday.
Spurlin was hired as a deputy in Jasper County before Johnson was elected sheriff, according to Johnson, and he worked with the department up until his arrest Monday night, after which he was terminated.
“I’ve never had any issues like this arise out of him or anybody on this department,” Johnson mentioned. “It’s certainly a sad day that a law officer would allegedly do this, especially to a female and to his spouse. We don’t condone this by any means, and he will face the consequences of his actions.”
During court proceedings, Judge Jones issued a protective order for the victim. Spurlin is to have no contact whatsoever with his wife, threaten her in any manner, and is to remain at least 100 yards from her.
“If you happen to see her in public, I’d suggest you walk the other way,” warned Judge Jones.
Judge Jones also relayed to Spurlin that if convicted of the charges he faces, he will not be able to be in possession of a firearm for the remainder of his life.