McCoy Convicted of '99 Rape

By: Sheila McLain - Email

Updated: Wed 6:14 PM, Jun 19, 2002

After a three-day trial, a Lauderdale County jury Wednesday found Leon McCoy, 43, of Meridian, guilty of sexual battery.

The incident happened in December 1999 and involved a 15-year-old girl.

McCoy was found not guilty of a related kidnapping charge.

But prosecutor Lisa Howell said she's satisfied with the jury's finding.

"Because of his prior convictions, he's an habitual offender," said Howell. "So we set a sentencing hearing for about two weeks from now. And I anticipate he'll receive 30 years without possibility of parole or early release for that crime."

McCoy's case was delayed initially while DNA evidence was analyzed.

His first trial was declared a mistrial due to the sudden death of his attorney.

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