Title: Former Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Plead Guilty to Racist Assault on Black Men
Date: [Insert Date]
Jackson, Miss. – Six white former law enforcement officers in Mississippi, who referred to themselves as the “Goon Squad,” have pleaded guilty to charges of a racist assault on two Black men during a home raid. The incident, which involved beatings, the use of stun guns, and a gunshot to one man’s mouth, took place earlier this year. Federal prosecutors revealed the civil rights charges against the officers on Thursday as they appeared in federal court and entered their pleas.
The officers involved in this case include five former Rankin County sheriff’s deputies and an ex-Richland police officer. The defendants have been connected to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019, resulting in two deaths and one man with lasting injuries, according to an Associated Press investigation.
Court documents state that on January 24, the officers unlawfully entered the victims’ home without a warrant. Once inside, they handcuffed the two men, identified as Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, and subjected them to physical and sexual assaults. The officers used stun guns repeatedly throughout their roughly 90-minute ordeal. Shockingly, one deputy then proceeded to place a gun in Jenkins’ mouth and fired, severely injuring him. Instead of providing medical attention, the officers allegedly engaged in a discussion to create a false cover story to hide their misconduct. They also planted and tampered with evidence.
Reports indicate that the officers went to the Braxton home based on a white neighbor’s complaint about Black individuals staying with a white woman who owned the property. During the raid, the officers used racist slurs against the victims. Jenkins and Parker, who publicly discussed the incident, have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Rankin County, seeking $400 million in damages.
Revelations from court documents reveal that the officers gave themselves the nickname “Goon Squad” due to their willingness to use excessive force and refrain from reporting it. The individuals charged in this case include former Rankin County Sheriff’s Department employees Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, and Daniel Opdyke. Additionally, former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield was named in the lawsuit.
Following the incident, a civil rights probe was launched by the Justice Department in February after allegations were raised by Jenkins and Parker. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced on June 27 that all five deputies involved in the January 24 episode had been terminated or resigned. It was later revealed that off-duty officer Joshua Hartfield participated in the raid and was also subsequently fired.
The officers have been charged under a criminal information filed in federal court, which outlines the basis for bringing criminal offenses against the defendants. Unlike an indictment, a criminal information does not require a grand jury’s vote.
This case further highlights the urgent need for systemic reform in law enforcement to address issues of racism and excessive use of force. The plea agreements entered by these former officers serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for marginalized communities.
Note: This article was written by Michael Goldberg, a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, which aims to shed light on undercovered issues.