Jackson, MS — Federal authorities have indicted 14 Mississippi law enforcement officers, including two elected sheriffs, for allegedly assisting in drug trafficking operations across the state’s Northwestern Delta region. The officers are accused of taking bribes in exchange for protecting shipments they believed contained illegal drugs.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner, the indictments stem from a years-long FBI investigation that began after suspects complained about paying kickbacks to officers.
“We’re talking about 14 current or former law enforcement officers … who are alleged to have sold out the public,” said FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey at a press conference. “This corruption permeated all levels. It extended across multiple counties and multiple jurisdictions in the state of Mississippi, and beyond.”
Officers Accused of Taking Thousands in Bribes
The officers allegedly accepted bribes ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars to allow the transportation of drugs across Mississippi. Federal prosecutors described the sting as a coordinated operation designed to expose systemic corruption.
Among those indicted are Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams and Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston, both elected officials who were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and bribery.
According to NewsNation, an additional six civilians were also indicted for allegedly escorting drug shipments as part of the same operation.
“This case reflects one of the most widespread law enforcement corruption cases in Mississippi’s recent history,” Joyner said. “The investigation revealed deliberate attempts by sworn officers to undermine the very laws they swore to uphold.”
FBI’s Undercover Sting Operation
The FBI reportedly launched the sting after receiving tips that local law enforcement officers were demanding kickbacks from drug traffickers in exchange for “safe passage.” Undercover agents posing as traffickers arranged multiple transactions in which officers allegedly accepted cash payments.
Officials said that during these interactions, the officers escorted what they thought were drug shipments — in reality, part of an FBI-controlled operation.
“These defendants chose greed over integrity,” Bailey said. “They betrayed their badges and the communities that trusted them.”
Joyner noted that all defendants have been granted bond while awaiting trial. Federal officials have not released specific court dates but confirmed that indictments were issued earlier this week.
Pattern of Corruption in Mississippi Law Enforcement
The scandal adds to a troubling list of recent corruption cases involving Mississippi law enforcement agencies. In 2024, former Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler was convicted of accepting $9,500 in bribes and providing ammunition to a convicted felon. That same year, former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about requesting explicit photos from a female inmate.
In 2019, William Brewer, a former Tallahatchie County sheriff, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for extorting bribes from a drug dealer.
The state has also faced scrutiny over police brutality and racial discrimination. In 2023, six law enforcement officers pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men, leading to a Department of Justice investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. A separate DOJ report last year concluded that Lexington Police Department officers had discriminated against Black residents.
Federal Response and Ongoing Oversight
Federal prosecutors say these indictments serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, even those sworn to enforce it. The Justice Department has pledged continued oversight and coordination with local agencies to combat corruption.
“Public trust in law enforcement is sacred,” Joyner said. “We will continue to hold accountable anyone who abuses that trust for personal gain.”
The defendants, including both sheriffs, are expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks.
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