An Opp man was jailed Friday after an investigation into an unrelated case revealed he allegedly sexually abused a female relative for years.

The Covington County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jerry Wayne Scofield, 59, for sexual abuse I and sexual abuse of a child less than 12.

The investigation has been ongoing for several months, said CCSO Investigator Ted Motley.

“The victim actually reported the crime to the sheriff’s office while we were working another, unrelated and non-sexual abuse related, case,” Motley said. “We can’t give out too many details, as the case is still under investigation.”
Motley did confirm that the victim in the case is a female relation of Scofield’s.

Scofield was released on a $30,000 bond.