The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department made arrests in two unrelated sexual assault cases after finding evidence that the two Pearl River County men allegedly abused young children.
Richard A. Nunez, 34, of 229 Hilt Fornea in Poplarville was arrested on Sept. 23 after deputies responded to a call from the parents of the victim who claimed Nunez had molested their 8-year old child, Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said.
Tucker said Nunez was a friend of the victim’s father and was staying overnight at the victim’s house on Sept. 22. In the early morning hours, the father awoke to find Nunez exiting the child’s room, Tucker said. When asked what he was doing, Tucker said that Nunez claimed to be checking on the victim.
While speaking with the child about the incident, the stepmother determined there had been inappropriate touching, Tucker said. After further investigation, deputies arrested Nunez and charged him with sexual battery, Tucker said.

In a separate case, Michael S. Keys, 61, of 11 H. K. Stockstill Rd. in Carriere was arrested on Sept. 8 after he allegedly had inappropriate contact with a 12-year-old family member who stayed at his home, Tucker said.
The victim lives out of state and stayed at Keys’ home over the summer months, which is when the alleged abuse took place, Tucker said.
Keys discussed the touching with a healthcare worker, who then reported it to the authorities on Sept 8, Tucker said. After further investigation, Det. Scott Wagner determined this account to be correct, Tucker said.
Keys was arrested on Sept. 25 and charged with sexual battery, Tucker said.