[StBernard] Serial suspect pleads guilty to rape

[Westley Annis]

Serial suspect pleads guilty to rape

Man wanted in two other states on additional 
charges

Tim Doherty . Hattiesburg American . June 5, 
2010 

COLUMBIA - An alleged serial rapist accused in 
three states pleaded guilty Friday in 15th Circuit 
Court to raping a 21-year-old Hattiesburg college 
student in July 2009.

James H. Crockett, 37, of Chalmette, La., is 
scheduled to be sentenced by Judge R.I. Prichard III 
on June 25.

Whatever the prison term, Crockett will not be able 
to decrease his time for good behavior because he 
is being sentenced on a sex crime. He also must 
register as a sex offender.

Crockett, also was wanted in Louisiana and Alabama, 
was charged with aggravated rape and burglary of a 
21-year-old college student last July 6 in 
Hattiesburg.

District Attorney Hal Kittrell said Friday's plea drops 
the curtain on Crockett.

"This is the absolute nightmare for any coed student 
and her parents," Kittrell said. "This plea was 
entered into at the recommendation of the victim to 
spare her from the rigors of trial and still allow the 
option for a sentence that will keep him off the 
streets."

Crockett is a convicted felon with a long criminal 
record, including burglary, grand larceny and 
escape. He is accused of crimes in three states, 
using a stun gun and handcuffs during two rapes.

He is accused of raping a 22-year-old woman July 5 
in Baton Rouge and had been sought in Hammond, 
La., on attempted aggravated assault and 
kidnapping charges.

Crockett was detained in Florence, Ala., on July 7 
after he was caught hanging around an apartment 
complex with handcuffs and a stun gun.
 
Because he had not been identified as a suspect in 
the earlier crimes, he was charged with 
misdemeanor possession of marijuana and released.

He returned to Louisiana and allegedly attacked a 
woman on July 10 in Hammond, though she was 
able to fend off her attacker.

By then, authorities linked Crockett to the attacks in 
Mississippi and Louisiana and began a manhunt.

He was arrested July 12 after wrecking his car 
during a chase in Huntsville, Ala.