Update: Facebook messages led to underage sex crime arrest of Mississippi meteorologist
A nine-year veteran Mississippi broadcast meteorologist has been arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Madison police reported Thursday that Eric Law, 32, a WLBT-TV meteorologist since 2004 in Jackson, is charged with two counts of sexual battery and two counts of gratification of lust. Law surrendered to police about 11 a.m. after being told of the charges.
Madison police say the arrest is the result of an allegation that Law had inappropriate contact with a girl under the age of 16.
“At this point, we’re cooperating,” Law's attorney Matt Baldridge said. “It’s early in the investigation."
"These are serious charges, and we don’t know the substance of the allegations. He is pleading innocent at this point in time,” Baldridge said.
Law was released on bond after an 10-minute court appearance Thursday afternoon, which was set at $50,000 per count, for a total of $200,000.
Video: Meteorologist Eric Law appears in court after sex crime arrest
Each count of the sexual battery charges carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in jail and a $10,000 fine, while each count of the gratification of lust charges carries a potential penalty of 15 years in jail and/or $5,000 in fines.
"Eric Law has been suspended until further notice," said WLBT News Director Wilson Stribling.
Law’s picture and biography have been removed from the station’s website as of Thursday afternoon.
Apart from on-air duties, Law has been one of the main Jackson area meteorologists on the forefront of providing weather information through social media including on his blog Green Screen Weather.
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