by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
GULFPORT (GG) — On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Omar Deluna from Long Beach, pled guilty yesterday to one count of Felony Child Abuse and one count of Felony Child Endangerment before Circuit Court Judge Randi P. Mueller. After accepting the pleas, Judge Mueller sentenced Deluna to thirty years, suspending fifteen years, leaving fifteen years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The defendant had no prior criminal history. Upon his release from prison, Deluna must complete five years of post-release supervision.
The investigation began when the Long Beach Police Department received a call from a local school reporting that the six-year-old victim had not shown up for class. Another student informed school officials that the victim was absent because the Defendant had abused the child.
Law enforcement and Child Protective Services then responded to the family residence on Rosie Drive in Long Beach. Upon entering the residence, an active marijuana grow was located in the garage area of the house. The Defendant and his wife were then arrested by police.
“Forensic interviews of the victim and the witness were conducted at the Child Advocacy Center. During those interviews, it was disclosed the Defendant had become frustrated with the victim while going over school work, threw the victim against a wall, and choked him. The other witness did not observe the choking, but did observe injuries to the victim,” said Assistant District Attorney, Matthew D. Burrell, who prosecuted the case.
The Defendant’s wife, Angela Weigel, previously entered a guilty plea to accessory after the fact to felony child abuse and felony child endangerment. During that plea, Weigel told the Court she did not observe the choking, but did observe markings to the child’s neck when she returned home from work. Weigel also stated that the Defendant acknowledged to her that the reported events did in fact take place. Weigel was previously sentenced to twenty years, twelve suspended, leaving eight to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
“I want to commend the multiple agencies involved for their coordinated efforts in bringing this case forward. This is a powerful example of the importance of the ‘See Something, Say Something’ principle in action. Long Beach schools, law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and the Child Advocacy Center all responded immediately, working together to gather critical evidence and conduct thorough interviews—ultimately ensuring that those responsible were held accountable and, most importantly, that the child was protected. While it’s common to hear criticisms, it’s equally important to recognize the many dedicated professionals who are doing exceptional work every day to keep our communities safe,” said District Attorney W. Crosby Parker.
