Oxford man arrested, charged with child pornography and enticement

Oxford law enforcement arrested Paul Petach, 57, of Oxford, Mississippi, on charges that include child pornography, two counts of enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes, and grooming of a child. The Oxford Police Department said it received a tip on November 19, 2025, which prompted investigators to open an inquiry and conduct follow up interviews. An arrest warrant was issued on November 20, 2025, and Petach was located and arrested. A search warrant was executed at his home and law enforcement seized electronics and storage devices for digital evidence.

Investigators are analyzing the recovered devices, and authorities warned that additional charges could be filed as digital evidence is reviewed by investigators and the Attorney General's office. The Oxford Police Department expressed appreciation for assistance from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department in the case. The department asked anyone with information to call 662 232 2400 and ask for an investigator.

The development is significant for Lafayette County residents because online exploitation investigations often involve complex digital forensics and interagency collaboration. Seized electronics and storage devices can produce material that changes the scope of an investigation, and involvement by the Attorney General's office signals potential coordination across jurisdictions. For families and community leaders, the case underscores the persistence of online risks to children and the ways local policing and state agencies work together to address those risks.

Local public safety officials have framed the arrest as part of routine investigative work triggered by community tips, and they continue to seek additional information from the public. Residents who may have relevant details are encouraged to contact the Oxford Police Department. As the digital evidence is reviewed, prosecutors will determine whether further charges are warranted, and the community will be watching how the investigation proceeds through the legal process.