Trial begins today for case of former SPD officer accused of exploitation of a minor

Jury selection is set to begin today in the case of a former city of Starkville police officer accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor in 2017.

Charles Jordan had his most recent hearing in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court on Monday, where a judge decided to send his case to trial after an agreement could not be reached on his initial guilty plea.

An Oktibbeha County Grand Jury indicted Jordan in January 2018 on one felony count of exploitation of a child and another count of computer luring.

Jordan, who was sworn in as an officer for the Starkville Police Department in January 2016, is accused of using digital media for inappropriate and sexually-explicit communications with a minor in the early months of 2017.

The victim — who is referred to only with initials in court documents — was 16 at the time of the incidents, which allegedly took place on or about Feb. 5, 2017 and March 10, 2017.

Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Clerk Tony Rook confirmed to the Starkville Daily News that Jordan initially entered his guilty plea to

Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens Monday morning, but the judge did not accept his plea due to Jordan not admitting to certain “essential elements” in the case.

Jury selection will precede Jordan's trial today, which is expected to begin some time after 9 a.m.

District Attorney Scott Colom's office is prosecuting the case, which

be able to come in and grow the volunteer fire departments serving Oktibbeha County.

“I think I can come in here, and I think I can grow the departments, I really do," Warner said. "That's right up my alley.”

Another program that brought him a great deal of pride, Warner said, was one that helped firefighters at the Starkville Fire Department earn degrees.

"We've had seven firefighters at Starkville Fire Department earn their degrees since we started to do that, at no cost," Warner said.

Warner's vision for the next 10 years as fire coordinator involves more advanced training methods and lowering fire ratings to save citizens money on insurance costs.

"In 10 years, I hope to improve the county financially and physically," Warner said.

By focusing on having the most well-trained volunteers possible,

Warner said departments and citizens would be better off.

"If I can come in here and do that, ultimately we will save lives, and that's what we're here for," Warner said.

Regarding his reasoning for wanting the job, Warner said he wanted to see a positive change in the community he called home.

“I live here," Warner said. "This community means a great deal to me. I want to see it thrive.”

District 1 Supervisor and Board President John Montgomery — also a retired city of

Starkville firefighter — said Warner's history of building programs and recruiting set him apart from other candidates.

"To me, what set him apart was the retention and the recruitment of new volunteers here in Oktibbeha County," Montgomery said.

Montgomery especially pointed to Warner's success at MCC with young people as an indicator of his skill, and Montgomery added that he hoped Warner

had similar success in Oktibbeha County.

"In this day and age, it's hard to recruit volunteers, especially younger," Montgomery said.

Recently retired from fire service, Montgomery said the value of recruiting good people could not be overestimated.

“The personnel who fight the fires are, quite honestly, the heart of each district," Montgomery said. "Without personnel to fight the fire, a fire rating is quite useless.”

Warner, who is originally from Winston County, said his training and experience made him the best fit for the job.

"I think I have the training and qualifications to come in here and improve our community and make it a better place to live," Warner said.

Warner will take on the role part-time, earning a stipend of $1,000 each month. His predecessor, Rosenhan, earned $600 monthly.