Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men are set to be sentenced this week. The incident, which occurred on January 24, 2023, in Braxton, just southeast of Jackson, came to light after the victims, Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in June.
The six former officers, including former Rankin County Sheriff’s deputies and a former Richland Police Department officer, pleaded guilty to a combined 13 felonies related to the torture and abuse of the two men. Charges included conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.
The sentencing will take place over three days, with two officers being sentenced on Tuesday, two on Wednesday, and the remaining two on Thursday. Federal prosecutors are seeking the maximum sentences for the officers involved.
One of the officers, Elward, faces the most serious charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. The other officers face sentences of up to 20 years each.
The victims, along with their families and attorneys, expressed their hope for the maximum sentences, stating that the officers' actions were racially motivated. The officers referred to themselves as “The Goon Squad” due to their use of excessive force and failure to report it.
The case has drawn attention to police use of force, particularly against people of color, amid ongoing national scrutiny. The victims alleged that the officers entered their home illegally, subjected them to physical abuse, and used racial slurs during the violent acts.
The civil rights litigation is ongoing, and the issues raised in the lawsuit have not been fully resolved. Three of the officers also pleaded guilty to felonies related to a separate incident in December 2022 and will be sentenced accordingly.
In addition to federal charges, the former officers also face state charges, including conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, home invasion, aggravated assault, and first-degree obstruction of justice. They await sentencing on the state charges as well.
