EB rape suspect finally jailed

The search is over for Arthur Andrew Simmons of Brewton who has been wanted by the East Brewton Police Department for the past year on charges of rape II and sexual abuse II for allegedly having sex with a 15-year old girl.

Simmons, 28, 270 Sawmill Road, Brewton, was arrested Monday by U.S. Marshal's and booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton. His bond was later set at $50,000.

Court records state the sexual encounters with the underaged female occurred in East Brewton from October 2023 through November 2023, stating Simmons was seen by the victim's mother on Dec. 22, 2023 with Simmons' hands beneath the 15-year old's clothes touching her private area. Records also say Simmons had sexual intercourse with the underage girl and also state the incident resulted in a violent altercation between Simmons and the victim's mother.

East Brewton Police Chief Kenny Brazile said his department received information a few weeks ago that Simmons was in the area of East Brewton. He said Simmons had also posted some social media posts stating he was willing to have a shootout with police and go out with a blaze of glory.

Brazile said due to the threats made by Simmons, he reached out to the U.S. Marshal's Gulf Coast Task Force for help.

"They have the manpower and they have better equipment," Brazile said.

He said the task force located Simmons at the Sawmill Road address and he was taken into custody without incident with Brazile serving the warrant and putting the handcuffs on Simmons.

Brazile also noted that Simmons had failure to appear warrants out for his arrest from the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office and that the case is still under investigation and more charges are possible.