Brewton man charged with rape

Brewton, Al.
Brewton Police are continuing an investigation into an alleged sexual assault case involving a 4-year-old victim.
Sgt. Steven Ferguson with Brewton Police said a Brewton man was arrested after a mother suspected something wrong with her daughter.
Jessie Porterfield, 33, of Sowell Road in Brewton, was arrested and charged with first-degree rape in connection with the allegations against him.
“The mother called our office and said her daughter wasn’t acting right and she said she suspected that she had been sexually assaulted,” Ferguson said. “We responded to the call and reported the allegations to the Department of Human Resources.”
Ferguson said workers with DHR responded to the case and officials with the Regional Child Advocacy Center also became involved in the investigation of the case.
“The victim was taken to the hospital where she was examined and treated,” Ferguson said. “She was also interviewed by staff members at the Child Advocacy Center. Actually, our arrest was based on the evidence from that interview and our investigation.”
Ferguson said the incident is believed to have occurred during the morning of Sept. 8.
“We received the call that afternoon and immediately began our investigation,” Ferguson said. “Once everyone got on board with the investigation, we took about two days to gather evidence and information in the case.”
Ferguson said Porterfield was arrested Friday afternoon and was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center on the charges. He was released on $25,000 bond Monday, he said.
Ferguson said an investigation into the case is continuing.
“We want to make sure we have all our information correct and true,” Ferguson said. “This investigation is certainly not over.”