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Lici Beveridge, Hattiesburg American Published 12:02 p.m. CT June 23, 2020 | Updated 1:02 p.m. CT June 23, 2020

Derrian Moye(Photo: Courtesy of Forrest County Jail)

Derrian Moye, who bills himself as "Mr. Hattiesburg," was scheduled for trial this month in Forrest County Circuit Court on a witness intimidation charge,but the trial was delayed once again after his attorney withdrew from the case.

Circuit Judge Jon Mark Weathers issued an order Monday allowing attorney Ottowa Carter to withdraw.

"Having considered the motion, the arguments of attorney Carter and Defendant Moye, and being otherwise fully advised in the premises, the court finds that a significant breach of trust has developed between Defendant Moye and Attorney Carter which would make his continued representation of Defendant especially difficult in this criminal case," Weathers wrote in the order.

Click here to read the judge's order.

Moye has 30 days to retain a new attorney.

Carter, in his motion to withdraw, said he could no longer represent Moye because a "significant breach of trust has developed between Defendant and the undersigned which cannot be repaired."

He said he has represented Moye since September and has filed several motions on his client's behalf.

Carter also wrote in his motion that he had given Moye advance notice of the filing, and on March 27 gave Moye a copy, giving Moye adequate time to find a new attorney before the trial was set to begin.

Click here to read the full motion to withdraw.

Moye has not indicated whether he has a new attorney.

Moye, 32, was charged with witness intimidation in 2015. His first trial ended in a mistrial.

He was charged in connection with an incident involvingDreshawn Sullivan, who was found guilty ofburglary of a dwelling, attempted kidnapping and child abuse at Burkett's Creek Westin which one female victim was hospitalized. Sullivan's conviction was upheld on appeal.

Moye was called to testify at Sullivan's trial, but used his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. It is unclear what, if any, Moye's role was in the case.

Police said theintimidation charged stemmed from verbal threats Moye allegedly made in connection with Sullivan's case.

Moye, a self-proclaimed youth leader, attempted to run for Forrest County supervisor in 2019. He was not certified to run since he has a felony conviction.

Despite being ineligible, Moye continued his campaign, even seeking contributions from supporters.

Moye isknown for the many community programs he has implemented over the years, from youth ministriesto organizing job fairs, paradesand other events in the city.

Moye has a criminal history that has sometimes eclipsed his community efforts.

He has been accused ofcrimes ranging from statutory rape and contributing to the delinquency of a minor to forging checks and witness intimidation.

In July 2011, the Hattiesburg American reported Moye, who was 23 at the time, was arrested with another man after two juvenile girls were foundat Moyes residence in the early morning hours after one of the girl's motherreported her missing.

Former Hattiesburg police spokesman Eric Proulx told the Americanthe mother said her daughter had not returned home from an event at a community center that evening.

In the course of the investigation, Proulx said,a witness reported seeing two girls get into a black SUV owned byMoye. Police went toMoyes home, where the girls were found. The menwere charged withmisdemeanor contributing to thedelinquency of a minor.

It is unclear what became of that case.

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Moye was onprobation at the time, after pleading guilty in 2008 to uttering forgery, admitting he wrote and tried to casha check for around $3,400 on a bank account that was not his.

"I found a checkbook made out in the name of another person," he said in the plea agreement. "I took (illegible) to the bank where we attempted to cash the $3,432 check."

Astatutory rape chargewas passed to the inactive files, according to court documents.

He was sentenced to fiveyears in prison with one to serve and four years of post-release supervision.

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After his release, Moye was arrested at least twice more for violating the terms of his probation.

Affidavits filed in circuit court byMoye's probation officer said he violated his probation by not paying his fines and fees and finding a job.

Contact Lici Beveridgeat 601-584-3104 orlbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her onTwitter@licibevor Facebook atfacebook.com/licibeveridge.

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Lawyer for 'Mr. Hattiesburg' withdraws, citing a 'significant breach of trust' - Hattiesburg American