All 6 officers from Mississippi
Former Former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield was one of six law enforcement officers who admitted to racially motivated torture.
Six white former officers in Mississippi who pleaded guilty to breaking into a home without a warrant and torturing two Black men have been sentenced. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee sentenced Brett McAlpin, a former high-ranking deputy, to prison after he pleaded guilty to the attack. McAlpin apologized to the victims before his sentencing, expressing remorse for his involvement in the incident. The final member of the group, former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield, also received a prison sentence.
In addition to McAlpin and Hartfield, four other former law enforcement officers involved in the attack have also been sentenced by Judge Lee. Christian Dedmon received a 40-year prison sentence for his role in the attack, as well as another incident in December 2022. Hunter Elward was sentenced to over 20 years in prison, while Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke each received 17.5-year prison sentences. Judge Lee handed down prison terms near the top of the sentencing guidelines for each of the deputies sentenced so far, describing their actions as "egregious and despicable."
The attack took place on January 24, 2023, following a racist call for violence against two Black men staying with a white woman in Braxton. McAlpin received the complaint and informed Dedmon, who then texted a group of white deputies about the situation. Dedmon's text, which mentioned "no bad mugshots," was interpreted by prosecutors as a signal to use excessive force on parts of the victims' bodies that would not appear in booking photos. Hartfield was instructed to cover the back door during the illegal entry.
Once inside, the officers subjected the victims to racial slurs, stun gun shocks, handcuffing, and assault with a sex toy. They forced the victims to strip naked, shower together, and poured milk, alcohol, and chocolate syrup over their faces. Hartfield guarded the bathroom door to prevent their escape. Elward shot one of the victims in the mouth, causing serious injuries. To cover up the incident, McAlpin pressured one of the victims, Parker, to remain silent in exchange for his freedom. Drugs were planted, and false charges were filed against Jenkins and Parker.
Attorneys for some of the deputies argued that their clients became involved in a culture of corruption within the sheriff's office, which was not only permitted but encouraged by leaders. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who took office in 2012, did not disclose details about his deputies' actions when he announced their termination. After the officers pleaded guilty, Bailey stated that they had gone rogue and promised changes. Jenkins and Parker called for Bailey's resignation and filed a $400 million civil lawsuit against the department. Bailey was reelected without opposition in November.
The sentencing of the six white former officers involved in the brutal attack on two Black men has concluded. The sentences handed down by Judge Tom Lee reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed. The case has shed light on the issue of police misconduct and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Sentencing of Other Officers Involved
In addition to McAlpin and Hartfield, four other former law enforcement officers involved in the attack have also been sentenced by Judge Lee. Christian Dedmon received a 40-year prison sentence for his role in the attack, as well as another incident in December 2022. Hunter Elward was sentenced to over 20 years in prison, while Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke each received 17.5-year prison sentences. Judge Lee handed down prison terms near the top of the sentencing guidelines for each of the deputies sentenced so far, describing their actions as "egregious and despicable."
Details of the Attack
The attack took place on January 24, 2023, following a racist call for violence against two Black men staying with a white woman in Braxton. McAlpin received the complaint and informed Dedmon, who then texted a group of white deputies about the situation. Dedmon's text, which mentioned "no bad mugshots," was interpreted by prosecutors as a signal to use excessive force on parts of the victims' bodies that would not appear in booking photos. Hartfield was instructed to cover the back door during the illegal entry.
Once inside, the officers subjected the victims to racial slurs, stun gun shocks, handcuffing, and assault with a sex toy. They forced the victims to strip naked, shower together, and poured milk, alcohol, and chocolate syrup over their faces. Hartfield guarded the bathroom door to prevent their escape. Elward shot one of the victims in the mouth, causing serious injuries. To cover up the incident, McAlpin pressured one of the victims, Parker, to remain silent in exchange for his freedom. Drugs were planted, and false charges were filed against Jenkins and Parker.
Culture of Corruption and Cover-Up
Attorneys for some of the deputies argued that their clients became involved in a culture of corruption within the sheriff's office, which was not only permitted but encouraged by leaders. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who took office in 2012, did not disclose details about his deputies' actions when he announced their termination. After the officers pleaded guilty, Bailey stated that they had gone rogue and promised changes. Jenkins and Parker called for Bailey's resignation and filed a $400 million civil lawsuit against the department. Bailey was reelected without opposition in November.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the six white former officers involved in the brutal attack on two Black men has concluded. The sentences handed down by Judge Tom Lee reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed. The case has shed light on the issue of police misconduct and the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.