Published: August 26, 2009 12:57 pm      

FBI probes circumstances of Delta burglary arrest

JACKSON — The FBI says it’s looking into the circumstances surrounding a burglary arrest in the Mississippi Delta during which residents reportedly took it upon themselves to search for the suspect.

The suspect, William Pittman, who is black, was charged Aug. 20 with breaking and entering at a home in Sumner. He was released on bond the same day.

There’s no indication the suspect injured.

His father, attorney Ellis Pittman, told Greenville television station WABG in an on-camera interview that his son’s life was threatened by Tallahatchie County Prosecuting Attorney John Whitten. Ellis Pittman didn’t respond Tuesday to a message left by The Associated Press.

Whitten, who is white and allegedly among the group, said the allegations are baseless and he’s considering a libel lawsuit.