- Six former police officers in Mississippi have pleaded guilty to 16 felonies for torturing two Black men.
- The officers engaged in sexual assault against the victims and even shot one of them in the mouth.
- This group of officers referred to themselves as the “Goon Squad” because of their propensity for using excessive force.
Six former police officers in Mississippi have pleaded guilty to charges of torture against two Black men. The officers were part of a group known as the “Goon Squad,” which was notorious for their excessive use of force.
The individuals involved in this disturbing case are Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield. In federal court, they pleaded guilty to a total of 16 felonies, according to the Department of Justice.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident began when McAlpin received a complaint from a white neighbor about suspicious Black men in Rankin County. McAlpin then contacted Dedmon, who reached out to the “Goon Squad” for their involvement. This group was notorious for their use of excessive force and failure to report it.
The victims were warned to be cautious of cameras and to avoid any visible injuries in mugshots. However, the officers forcefully entered the victims’ home without a warrant and proceeded to handcuff and assault them. Racial slurs were used, and the victims were subjected to sexual assault and humiliation.
In a horrific turn of events, one of the officers, Elward, attempted to shoot one of the victims in the mouth, but the gun failed to fire. The officer then proceeded to physically assault the victim, resulting in a broken jaw.
The charges against the officers include civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. This case has exposed the deep-rooted problem of police violence and misconduct in Rankin County.
It is important that justice is served in cases like these and that the victims receive the support they deserve. The guilty pleas from these former police officers are a step towards accountability, but more work needs to be done to address the systemic issues within law enforcement.
A History of Police Violence in Rankin County
The fact that the majority of the officers involved in this heinous crime were employed by the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department is deeply alarming. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been numerous cases of police violence in Rankin County.
Insider’s investigation reveals that at least five individuals lost their lives while in custody of the Rankin Sheriff’s Department within an 8-month period in 2021. This led to Insider taking legal action against the sheriff’s department to obtain records related to these deaths.
One of the officers involved in this torture case, Hunter Elward, was also implicated in one of the 2021 deaths. He was responsible for tasing and beating Damien Cameron, who tragically passed away. Despite evidence of the beating, Elward and other deputies involved were not charged due to insufficient evidence.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform in law enforcement agencies, particularly in Rankin County. It is crucial that communities and organizations continue to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions and demand justice for victims of police violence.
Efforts must be made to address the systemic issues that perpetuate this cycle of violence and ensure that law enforcement agencies operate with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to protecting and serving all members of the community.
Trent Walker, the attorney representing the victims, expressed his satisfaction with the guilty pleas, stating that the victims feel like justice is being served. This case serves as a reminder that even in areas with a history of police violence, there is still hope for justice.
Rankin County, with its long-standing issues of police violence, must confront and address these problems to create a safer and more just community for everyone.
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