Police have arrested a third person in connection with a sexual abuse and incest case in Culloden, Putnam County Sheriff Mark Smith said Friday.

Edward Beckett, 46, of Culloden, is charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, Smith said. Beckett is accused of sexually abusing a girl, who is now 14, from Culloden.

Sheriff's deputies arrested Beckett on Thursday while he was driving to Columbus, Ohio, Smith said.

"We got him before he left the county," Smith said. "He confessed to having sexual relations with the young girl."

Beckett is not related to the girl, but was her custodian at one point, Smith said.

Two other people have also been charged in the case: Ray Eugene Parsons and his wife, Mima Jane Parsons, who are related to the girl.

In February, the girl told police that Ray Parsons began abusing her when she was 5, according to a criminal complaint. He was arrested Feb. 29.

During an interview with police, Ray Parsons admitted having sex with her several times when she was 11 and 12, the complaint states. He is charged with two counts each of sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and incest.

Mima Jane Parsons, 42, was arrested last week, and is accused of allowing the alleged abuse to continue. She is charged with being an accessory to sexual abuse and being an accessory to incest.

Child Protective Services removed the girl from the Parsons home in February, according to court papers.

Beckett is being held at Western Regional Jail on $35,000 bond. He is also charged with possession of marijuana and third-offense driving with a revoked license.

Ray Parsons also is being held at Western Regional on $100,000 bond. Mima Parsons was released from jail Monday on $20,000 bond.

To contact staff writer Alison Knezevich, use e-mail or call 348-1240.

Police have arrested a third person in connection with a sexual abuse and incest case in Culloden, Putnam County Sheriff Mark Smith said Friday.

Edward Beckett, 46, of Culloden, is charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, Smith said. Beckett is accused of sexually abusing a girl, who is now 14, from Culloden.

Sheriff's deputies arrested Beckett on Thursday while he was driving to Columbus, Ohio, Smith said.

"We got him before he left the county," Smith said. "He confessed to having sexual relations with the young girl."

Beckett is not related to the girl, but was her custodian at one point, Smith said.

Two other people have also been charged in the case: Ray Eugene Parsons and his wife, Mima Jane Parsons, who are related to the girl.

In February, the girl told police that Ray Parsons began abusing her when she was 5, according to a criminal complaint. He was arrested Feb. 29.

During an interview with police, Ray Parsons admitted having sex with her several times when she was 11 and 12, the complaint states. He is charged with two counts each of sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and incest.

Mima Jane Parsons, 42, was arrested last week, and is accused of allowing the alleged abuse to continue. She is charged with being an accessory to sexual abuse and being an accessory to incest.

Child Protective Services removed the girl from the Parsons home in February, according to court papers.

Beckett is being held at Western Regional Jail on $35,000 bond. He is also charged with possession of marijuana and third-offense driving with a revoked license.

Ray Parsons also is being held at Western Regional on $100,000 bond. Mima Parsons was released from jail Monday on $20,000 bond.

To contact staff writer Alison Knezevich, use e-mail or call 348-1240.