Two Panola County men arrested in Lafayette County sexual assault investigation

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said two Panola County men were arrested after deputies responded to a report of a sexual assault on Sept. 12, 2026.

Joshua Parker, 19, was taken into custody and charged with one count of statutory rape, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Charles D. Byrd, 18, was charged with one count of statutory rape and one count of sexual battery.

The Sheriff’s Office said the arrests followed an investigation by its Criminal Investigation Division. Both men were booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center.

Parker and Byrd appeared for initial appearances in Lafayette County Justice Court on Sept. 16, 2026. A Justice Court judge set Parker’s bond at $75,000 and Byrd’s bond at $150,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The case remains under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office said additional charges may be brought as the investigation continues. Arrested people are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: Original source announcement