by JACKSON, Miss. — Federal prosecutors have charged two Mississippi sheriffs and a dozen law enforcement officers in a sweeping drug trafficking and bribery operation that allegedly involved taking cash payments to escort what they believed were drug cartel shipments through the state.
The indictments, announced Thursday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi, stem from a multi-year undercover FBI investigation that uncovered widespread corruption across multiple counties in the Mississippi Delta region and parts of Tennessee.
14 Current and Former Officers Implicated
A total of 20 individuals, including 14 current or former law enforcement officers, have been indicted in connection with the case. Among those arrested are Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams, both accused of taking bribes in exchange for protecting what they believed to be Mexican drug cartel operations.
“It’s just a monumental betrayal of public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner, announcing the charges.
Officials said some of the bribes reached $20,000 to $37,000, and that the officers provided armed escorts for an undercover FBI agent posing as a cartel member. These escorts allegedly helped move 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine and drug proceeds through Mississippi counties and into Memphis.
Sheriffs Allegedly Took Bribes, Disguised Payments
According to the federal indictments, Gaston and Williams accepted cash payments in return for giving their “blessing” to the supposed cartel operations. Gaston allegedly tried to disguise the bribes as campaign donations but failed to report them as required by law.
Investigators said the probe began after individuals arrested on unrelated charges complained of having to pay bribes to law enforcement.
“Law enforcement is only effective when the community can trust the officers who serve them,” said FBI Special Agent Robert Eikhoff of the Jackson Field Office. “This type of corruption strikes at the heart of the community.”
Gun Law Violations Added to Charges
In addition to the bribery and conspiracy counts, 19 of the 20 defendants were also charged with violating federal firearms laws, authorities said.
Court records show that the Federal Public Defender’s Office is representing 16 of the accused, including both sheriffs. That office did not respond to requests for comment Thursday night.
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Pattern of Corruption in Mississippi Law Enforcement
The case marks the latest in a series of federal corruption scandals involving Mississippi sheriffs and police departments.
In 2024, former Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler was convicted of taking $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 after requesting nude photos from a female inmate.
Other recent cases include the 2019 conviction of former Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer, sentenced to six years in prison for extorting bribes from a drug dealer, and the 2023 torture case involving six Rankin County deputies, which led to a Department of Justice investigation into civil rights violations.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves called the latest indictments “deeply disappointing,” adding:
“The law must apply equally to everyone regardless of title or position. If you betray the people’s trust in Mississippi, you will face consequences.”
Federal Investigation Continues
Authorities said the investigation remains active and may result in additional charges as new evidence emerges. Officials are encouraging anyone with information about corruption or misconduct to contact the FBI’s Jackson Field Office.
For continuing coverage on law enforcement accountability, federal corruption probes, and Mississippi crime updates, visit race-day-live.com.
