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VIDALIA, La. — Two men were recently arrested after police conducted separate investigations of sexual crimes against juveniles.

Cory Renfrow, 37, of Natchez, was arrested on two counts of sexual battery and Charles Gooden Jr., 45, of Natchez, was arrested on one count of second-degree rape.

On Feb. 18, Vidalia Police Investigator Lt. Del’Marcus Johnson started investigating a report made of two victims being touched inappropriately by Renfrow.

The victims reported that these incidents took place two years prior, when they were 10 and eight years old. Renfrow was taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 27, by Adams County Sheriff’s deputies and extradited to Vidalia for booking.

Lt. Johnson investigated another allegation on June 30, 2024, after a report of a 16-year-old being victimized by Gooden. Gooden reportedly took advantage of a relationship with the victim’s mother to gain access to the victim.

A warrant was signed on July 1, 2024, for Gooden’s arrest. Officers spoke with Gooden shortly after, who reportedly stated he would turn himself in but went into hiding instead. This ended Thursday when he was also taken into custody by Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies and extradited to Vidalia for booking.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims that suffered from the actions of these two subjects,” said VPD Chief Joey Merrill. “We have zero tolerance for sexual predators harming our youth. We will spend countless hours until you are arrested and charged.”

Merrill added that Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten and his deputies were instrumental in making these arrests.