A Chickasaw County man who was arrested and charged on Oct. 3 for stalking a female MSU student was arrested again Thursday in connection with the Aug. 12 rape of another student.Johnny Griffis Jr., 30, also known as “Radar” Griffis, is being held at the Oktibbeha County Jail on a $100,000 bond. In addition to being charged with sexual assault, he could also face parole revocation from the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The case is expected to be heard by a grand jury in Oktibbeha County in January.
If convicted of rape, Griffis could face life imprisonment. If he is convicted of sexual battery, he could face a maximum of 30 years in prison, Oktibbeha County District Attorney Forrest Allgood said.
The rape occurred near the University Drive bridge that connects the MSU campus to the city of Starkville. An 18-year-old student was jogging at approximately 8:30 p.m. that Sunday when she was ordered by a man who had been hiding in a wooded area to follow him under the bridge. He then raped her.
The assailant was described as a black male in his mid-20s who was reportedly wearing a gray tank top, black shorts and a pair of tan gardening gloves during the time of the incident.
An official university release was published Thursday afternoon detailing the investigation.
“Our detectives have put in many hours on this case and we’re confident that we have identified the correct suspect,” MSU Police Chief Georgia Lindley said in the release.
Detectives Don Bartlett and Ken Holbrook are credited with heading the investigation and working with Starkville and Oktibbeha County authorities to apprehend the suspect.
“This has been a very delicate, time-consuming and sensitive investigation, and all of the law enforcement officials involved are extremely proud to have it culminate in an arrest,” Bartlett said in the release. “We are very appreciative of the outstanding assistance from our local law enforcement agencies.”
He said that investigators will continue their work as the case is prepped for the hearing.