SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
GULFPORT, Miss. — A Biloxi man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually battering his 11-year-old stepdaughter.
Decruis Tatum, 27, entered the guilty plea before Circuit Court Judge Christopher L. Schmidt, according to the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office. Tatum must serve the entire sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without parole or early release.
Authorities learned of the abuse after the girl confided in a family friend. That person immediately notified police and ensured the child received medical attention. Investigators said the assault occurred in 2024 at the girl’s Gulfport home.
Following a forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center, the child underwent a sexual-assault examination at a hospital. Gulfport police subsequently obtained a search warrant to collect Tatum’s DNA.
Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Magee, who prosecuted the case, said investigators compared Tatum’s DNA with evidence collected during the child’s examination. Laboratory analysis produced a match, providing evidence that supported the prosecution.
During sentencing, Schmidt emphasized the seriousness of sexually assaulting a defenseless child and condemned Tatum’s actions.
District Attorney W. Crosby Parker praised the family friend whose prompt response helped protect the girl and preserve evidence. Parker said securing immediate medical care and a forensic interview enabled the Gulfport Police Department and Child Advocacy Center to collect critical evidence used to hold Tatum accountable.
The Gulfport Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Child Advocacy Center. The Harrison County District Attorney’s Office handled the prosecution.