Jackson, MS – Federal prosecutors have charged two Mississippi sheriffs and 12 current or former law enforcement officers in a sweeping drug trafficking and bribery investigation, accusing them of taking bribes and providing protection for what they believed were cartel-linked drug shipments across the Mississippi Delta region.
The Incident: Officers Accused of Protecting Cartel Drug Shipments
Federal authorities announced on Thursday that 20 people—including 14 law enforcement officers—have been indicted in connection with a yearslong corruption probe spanning multiple Mississippi Delta counties and parts of Tennessee.
The investigation uncovered that several officers allegedly accepted cash bribes to provide armed escort services for shipments they believed contained 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine and large sums of drug proceeds being transported through Mississippi and into Memphis.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner described the case as a severe breach of duty.
“It’s just a monumental betrayal of public trust,” Joyner said during a news conference announcing the indictments.
The indictment alleges that on multiple occasions, the officers escorted undercover FBI agents posing as members of a Mexican drug cartel, ensuring “safe passage” for the drugs in exchange for cash payments.
Investigation and Evidence Uncovered
Among those arrested were Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams, both accused of accepting large bribes to authorize and protect drug transportation operations.
The indictment states that Gaston allegedly attempted to disguise payments as campaign contributions, though he failed to report them as required by law. Prosecutors say some bribes were as high as $20,000 to $37,000 for a single operation.
Federal agents revealed that these bribes often took place during covert sting operations, part of a long-term FBI investigation targeting corruption within Mississippi Delta law enforcement.
“The evidence shows deliberate efforts by sworn officers to sell their badges for cash,” Joyner said. “Instead of enforcing the law, they chose to protect drug traffickers for personal gain.”
The investigation spanned several years and involved joint federal-state task forces, leading to simultaneous arrests across multiple counties earlier this week.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi confirmed that 15 defendants face federal charges under a single indictment, while additional indictments cover separate corruption cases.
The charges include:
- Conspiracy to traffic drugs
- Bribery and extortion
- Money laundering
- Misuse of public office
Each of the accused faces potential decades in federal prison if convicted. As of Thursday, authorities had not confirmed whether the defendants had retained legal counsel.
Officials said the two sheriffs allegedly endorsed or “blessed” the drug transport operations in exchange for large cash bribes, giving traffickers the illusion of protection from local law enforcement scrutiny.
Statements and Reactions from Officials
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves condemned the alleged corruption in a public statement, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
“The law must apply equally to everyone regardless of the title or position they hold,” Reeves wrote. “Know that if you betray the people’s trust in Mississippi, you will face consequences.”
Sunflower County Sheriff James Haywood confirmed that one of his deputies, Marvin Flowers, was also arrested in connection with the operation. Flowers had been with the department for 13 years.
Haywood expressed disappointment over the arrests, saying, “This undermines every honest officer who risks their life for the people of Mississippi.”
Background Context: Pattern of Law Enforcement Corruption in Mississippi
The case is the latest in a series of corruption scandals involving Mississippi law enforcement.
- In 2024, former Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler was convicted of accepting $9,500 in bribes and providing ammunition to a felon.
- That same year, former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about requesting nude photos from a female inmate.
- In 2019, former Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer was sentenced to six years in prison for extorting bribes from a drug dealer.
- In 2023, six officers from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men, prompting a Department of Justice investigation.
The DOJ has also concluded that officers in the Lexington Police Department discriminated against Black residents, further spotlighting systemic misconduct within Mississippi policing.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Federal officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with more arrests possible as agents review additional evidence and financial records. The defendants are expected to make their initial court appearances in the coming weeks in Oxford, Mississippi, before U.S. District Court judges.
Authorities have emphasized that the indictments mark only the beginning of a broader effort to dismantle corruption networks within law enforcement agencies in the Delta region.
Conclusion
The indictment of two sitting sheriffs and a dozen officers represents one of the largest public corruption crackdowns in Mississippi’s recent history. Federal prosecutors have vowed to restore trust and transparency in policing, warning that any officer who betrays their badge will face full accountability under the law.
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