Federal authorities have announced indictments against 20 people — including 14 current or former law enforcement officers from the Mississippi Delta — accused of taking bribes to protect what they believed were drug trafficking operations.
The sweeping federal investigation, which stretched across several counties in Mississippi and Tennessee, revealed what prosecutors called a “monumental betrayal of public trust.” Among those charged are Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams.
According to investigators, some officers accepted bribes as large as $37,000 to provide armed escorts for individuals they believed were members of a Mexican drug cartel. The indictments allege that the officers knowingly helped transport what they thought was 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine across Mississippi and into Memphis.
Undercover Operation Exposes Corruption
In reality, the “drug trafficker” was an undercover FBI agent. The yearslong sting operation revealed that several officers repeatedly escorted vehicles carrying what they believed to be cocaine and drug money.
Prosecutors say the two sheriffs gave their “blessing” to the operations in exchange for cash bribes. Gaston allegedly tried to disguise the payments as campaign contributions — money that was never reported as required by law.
Complaints Sparked the Investigation
Officials say the case began when people who had been arrested reported having to pay bribes to certain law enforcement officers.
“Law enforcement only works when the community can trust its officers,” said Robert Eikhoff, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office. “This type of corruption strikes at the heart of the community.”
Nineteen of the 20 defendants also face federal gun charges in addition to bribery and corruption offenses.
Who Was Charged
Besides Sheriffs Gaston and Williams, the list of those indicted includes:
Brandon Addison, Javery Howard, Truron Grayson, Sean Williams, Dexture Franklin, Wendell Johnson, Marcus Nolan, Aasahn Roach, Jeremy Sallis, Torio Chaz Wiseman, Pierre Lakes, Derrik Wallace, Marquivious Bankhead, Chaka Gaines, Martavis Moore, Jamario Sanford, Marvin Flowers, and Dequarian Smith.
Court records show the federal public defender’s office is representing 16 of the 20 defendants, including both sheriffs. The office declined to comment on pending matters. Attempts to reach the other four defendants were unsuccessful.
State Leaders Respond
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued a statement expressing disappointment in the allegations.
“The law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of title or position,” Reeves wrote. “If you betray the people’s trust in Mississippi, you will face consequences.”
Pattern of Misconduct
The Mississippi Delta indictments are the latest in a series of corruption and misconduct cases involving state and local law enforcement.
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In 2024, former Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler was convicted of taking $9,500 in bribes and providing ammunition to a convicted felon.
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That same year, former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI after soliciting nude photos from an inmate.
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In 2019, former Tallahatchie County Sheriff William Brewer was sentenced to six years in prison for extorting bribes from a drug dealer.
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And in 2023, six officers pleaded guilty to state and federal charges for torturing two Black men — a case that triggered a Department of Justice investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. A separate DOJ review later found that officers in the Lexington Police Department discriminated against Black residents.
Federal officials clarified that those indicted in the current case include individuals from both Mississippi and Tennessee.
Via fox13memphis.com
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