Sheriff Lance Bonds states that on August 3, 2017, the Stone County Sheriff's Department received an allegation of sexual abuse concerning an existing case. The victim was listed as a three (3) year old male from Stone County.  The suspect was listed as GADEL SHAI BIGHAM of Independence County.

Sheriff Bonds states that a witness came forward and stated that BIGHAM had been seen assisting in the RAPE of a three (3) year old juvenile in Stone County. After receiving the information, investigators located BIGHAM and transported her to the Stone County Sheriff's Department for questioning.

In a post Miranda interview, GADEL BIGHAM confessed to assisting MARK WAYNE MARTIN in the RAPE and SEXUAL ASSAULT of the three (3) year old victim, as well as threatening the witness if anything was said. BIGHAM has been formally charged by Prosecuting Attorney Holly Meyer with 2 COUNTS OF RAPE, 1 COUNT OF INTIMIDATING A WITNESS and being an ACCOMPLICE.  Her bond was set at $100,000.00.