Former Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Sentenced for Torture and Abuse of Two Black Men

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Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to state and federal charges stemming from the torture and abuse of two Black men are set to be sentenced this week. The officers, known as “The Goon Squad,” pleaded guilty to various charges related to the incident. The victims, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, filed a federal lawsuit, leading to the officers’ guilty pleas. Federal prosecutors are seeking maximum sentences for the officers, with some facing additional charges from a separate incident. The victims detailed the abuse and shooting they endured, alleging racial motivation. The officers are also facing state charges in connection with the incident.

Six former law enforcement officers in Mississippi, who pleaded guilty to state and federal charges related to the torture and abuse of two Black men, are facing sentencing this week in federal court. The incident took place on January 24, 2023, in Braxton, Mississippi, a town located just southeast of Jackson. The shocking details of the case came to light after the victims, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, filed a $400 million federal lawsuit against the former officers.

### Sentencing Proceedings

The former officers, known as “The Goon Squad,” pleaded guilty in August to various charges, including conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. They are set to be sentenced over three days starting on Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Tom Lee in Jackson.

### Federal Charges and Maximum Sentences

Federal prosecutors are seeking maximum sentences for the six officers. Hunter Elward, facing the most serious charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, could receive up to 30 years in prison. The other officers, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Christian Dedmon, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield, each face up to 20 years in prison.

### Additional Charges in Separate Incident

Three of the officers, Dedmon, Elward, and Opdyke, also pleaded guilty to additional felonies related to a separate incident in December 2022. Dedmon, in particular, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

### State Charges and Allegations

In addition to federal charges, the former officers also pleaded guilty to state charges stemming from the same incident in January 2023. The victims claimed the abuse was racially motivated. Each officer faces various state charges, including conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, home invasion, aggravated assault, and first-degree obstruction of justice.

### Details of the Abuse and Shooting

Jenkins and Parker alleged that the officers entered their home, handcuffed them, and subjected them to torture, including waterboarding, tasing, and racial slurs. The abuse culminated in Jenkins being shot in the mouth. The officers then attempted to cover up the incident by destroying evidence and filing false reports.

### Response and Legal Proceedings

The victims, along with their attorney Malik Shabazz, are expected to testify during the sentencing proceedings. The Justice Department has expressed its commitment to civil rights and eliminating racial intimidation under the color of law in Mississippi. The former officers’ defense attorneys have not yet provided details of their sentencing proceedings.

### Conclusion

As the sentencing of the six former officers approaches, the community awaits justice for the victims of this heinous crime. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The victims, Jenkins and Parker, continue to seek closure and justice for the trauma they endured at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.