Justice Department probes Rankin County Sheriff over torture claims
Civil rights inquiry follows brutal home raid by Rankin deputies
The Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi after several deputies, including members of a self-styled “Goon Squad,” abused and tortured two Black men during a home raid last year.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the investigation will determine whether the department engages in unconstitutional practices, such as excessive force and racially discriminatory policing, targeting Black residents, and conducting unlawful stops, searches, and arrests.
This is the 12th such investigation under the Biden administration. Rankin County is situated east of Jackson, Mississippi’s capital.
BREAKING US Justice Department announces massive federal investigation of the Rankin County Sheriff’s office for allegations of a pattern and practice for violation of civil rights. pic.twitter.com/kPBHPy5wTw
— Ross Adams (@radamsWAPT) September 19, 2024
Earlier this year, five former Rankin County deputies and a former Richland police officer were sentenced to lengthy prison terms after pleading guilty to charges related to the January 2023 torture of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker. Some of the defendants belonged to the “Goon Squad,” known for using excessive force and failing to report it, as stated by federal prosecutors.
The White officers raided a Braxton home without a warrant, subjected the two Black men to racial slurs, used Tasers on them after handcuffing them, beat them with objects, and one officer shot Jenkins in the mouth. The officers responded to a neighbour’s report of Black men staying at a White woman’s home and engaging in suspicious behaviour.
Parker, a long-time friend of the homeowner, was helping take care of her, while Jenkins was temporarily staying at the residence. Sheriff’s deputies Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Daniel Opdyke, Jeffrey Middleton, and police officer Joshua Hartfield received federal sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years in prison in March. The following month, they were sentenced in state court to 15 to 45 years, to run concurrently with their federal sentences.
After the federal sentencing, Garland condemned the defendants’ actions, stating their “depravity cannot be overstated.” Attorneys for Parker and Jenkins called the investigation “a first, critical step” toward holding the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department accountable for years of constitutional violations. They praised the DOJ Civil Rights Division for its action.
Attempts to contact Mississippi’s attorney general, the department of public safety, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation for comments were not immediately successful. Following the exposure of the “Goon Squad” case, the DOJ’s civil rights division received additional reports of deputies overusing Tasers, unlawfully entering homes, using racial slurs, and employing “dangerous, cruel tactics” against people in their custody, Assistant US Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated.
Clarke mentioned that a review of available information and complaints warranted the investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. The five Rankin County officers operated under Sheriff Bryan Bailey, re-elected in December, even as details of the torture case made headlines. Bailey has faced increasing calls for resignation over allegations of failing to supervise and discipline his deputies properly.
Bailey claimed ignorance of the “Goon Squad” until federal charges were filed in August 2023, expressing shame and acknowledging the tarnishing of law enforcement’s image due to these individuals’ actions.
The sheriff’s office has since implemented changes to patrol policies and procedures, but community leaders argue these measures are insufficient.
The department stated it has increased transparency by posting policies, procedures, and a complaints portal on its website. It pledged full cooperation with the DOJ investigation and welcomed input on updated policies and practices.
Rankin County NAACP President Angela English, leading a petition to remove Bailey, expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing quest for justice. She encouraged public participation and announced a listening session at Pilgrim Red Baptist Church in Brandon for residents to share their experiences with the sheriff’s department.
Garland clarified that the civil rights investigation is separate from the federal criminal case of the six officers and will involve a comprehensive review of the department’s policies, training, supervision, and accountability systems. Federal investigators will gather insights from community groups and the public about their interactions with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, which has committed to cooperating with the investigation.
Parker and Jenkins struggled for months to have their story heard. After the state sentencing in April, Parker stated his mission is to support those who are too scared to speak out, promising to meet them and ensure they do not face fear or intimidation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- PBS NewsHour reports the Justice Department’s investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office for racist torture and excessive force against two Black men, highlighting community distrust and potential systemic abuse.
– **Key Points:**
– The Justice Department is investigating the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for potential racial discriminatory policing practices and excessive force.
– The investigation follows the guilty pleas of six white former law enforcement officers for torturing two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker.
– The officers, part of a group nicknamed “The Goon Squad,” admitted to breaking into a home without a warrant, using stun guns and other objects to assault the victims, and subjecting them to racist slurs.
– The case highlights issues of systemic abuse and community distrust, with victims and civil rights advocates calling for accountability and reforms.
– The investigation aims to determine if the department engaged in a pattern or practice of these abuses, reflecting broader concerns about policing in rural areas.This investigation underscores the need for accountability in law enforcement to prevent such heinous acts and foster trust within communities. The emphasis on racial discriminatory policing practices and systemic abuse is critical, as it addresses the deep-seated issues that have led to such incidents. The probe’s focus on whether the department engaged in a pattern of abuse will be crucial in determining the extent of the problem and the necessary reforms to prevent future occurrences. (Read more)
- ABC News: The Justice Department opens a civil rights probe into a Mississippi sheriff’s office for torturing two Black men, investigating excessive force and racial discrimination practices.
This article highlights the serious allegations of racial brutality and systemic abuse within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform in policing practices. The probe aims to uncover whether these incidents reflect a broader pattern of excessive force and discriminatory policing, echoing historical concerns about racial injustices in Mississippi. The investigation, led by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, marks a critical step towards addressing these abuses and ensuring constitutional rights are upheld. The unique angle of this article is its detailed description of the heinous crimes committed, including racist slurs and cruel tactics, which underscores the urgent need for change in law enforcement practices. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is the Justice Department investigating the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department?
The investigation is to determine if there are unconstitutional patterns of excessive force, racial discrimination, and unlawful stops, searches, and arrests.
What did the ‘Goon Squad’ deputies do?
They abused and tortured two Black men, using Tasers, racist vitriol, and beatings, including shooting one man in the mouth.
What are the potential consequences for the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department?
The department may face reforms to its policies, training, and accountability systems if unconstitutional practices are found.
How has the community responded to the investigation?
Community leaders and the NAACP have supported the investigation, and a listening session is planned for public input.
What changes has the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department made since the incident?
The department has increased transparency by posting policies, procedures, and a complaints portal on its website.
