Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers were sentenced to 15 to 45 years in prison on state charges for their involvement in a racist attack on two Black men. The men had pleaded guilty to state charges in August and were also sentenced to federal prison terms of 10 to 40 years for the assault. The officers, who had nicknamed themselves the “Goon Squad,” verbally abused, beat, and assaulted Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker in January 2023, using excessive force and racially motivated violence.
The attack on Jenkins and Parker began when former Rankin County Sheriff’s deputy Brett Morris McAlpin received a call from a white person complaining about the men’s presence at a house in Braxton, Mississippi. The self-described “Goon Squad” then went to the home without a warrant and verbally abused, physically assaulted, and humiliated Jenkins and Parker. They forced the men to ingest liquids, assaulted them with a sex toy, and shot Jenkins in the mouth in a mock execution. The officers also planned to plant drugs on the victims in an attempt to cover up their brutal attack.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, attorneys read statements on behalf of Jenkins and Parker, detailing the lasting impact of the attack on their lives. Jenkins described the January 24th incident as the worst day of his life and expressed the physical and emotional scars he continues to endure. He mentioned that the attack has affected his ability to pursue his passion for music and has left him with PTSD. Parker also shared the trauma he experienced as a result of being terrorized by those who were supposed to protect and serve him.
The sentencing of the former law enforcement officers resulted in McAlpin, Middleton, and Opdyke being sentenced to serve 20 years; Dedmon to 25 years; Elward to 45 years; and Hartfield to 15 years in federal penitentiaries. In addition to their imprisonment, the men were ordered to pay restitution and permanently surrender their law enforcement certificates. The men’s actions in this case highlight the systemic racism and abuse of power that exists within law enforcement and the need for accountability and justice for victims of police brutality.
The victims, Jenkins and Parker, shared their experiences of being physically abused, humiliated, and left with lasting trauma as a result of the officers’ actions. Jenkins expressed his fear and anxiety as a result of the attack, detailing how it has affected his ability to pursue his passion for music. Parker described the ongoing fear he experiences and the lasting impact of the sexual assault he endured. The statements shed light on the long-lasting effects of police violence and the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions.
Overall, the sentencing of the former Mississippi law enforcement officers for their involvement in the racist attack on Jenkins and Parker represents a step towards accountability and justice for victims of police brutality. The officers were found guilty of using excessive force, racially motivated violence, and attempting to cover up their assault on the two Black men. The victims’ statements highlighted the physical and emotional impact of the attack, underscoring the need for systemic change within law enforcement to prevent future incidents of brutality and racism.
