Two Ex-Mississippi “Goon Squad” Officers Sentenced in Torture of Black Men

Two of six Mississippi “Goon Squad” former officers received yearslong sentences Tuesday for the racist torture of two Black men.

Hunter Elward was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison (241 months). In addition, Jeffrey Middleton was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison. The remaining four ex-officers—Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield—who confessed to their involvement in the torture, are slated for sentencing later this week.

The horrific incident unfolded when the former cops unlawfully entered the home of Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, prompted by a neighbor’s report claiming the men were staying with a white woman. In January 2023, the six officers busted into the Rankin County residence without a warrant. While inside, they subjected the men to a horrifying ordeal. Jenkins and Parker were handcuffed, and then officers proceeded to douse them with milk, alcohol, and chocolate syrup before forcing them to strip naked and shower together in an attempt to erase the evidence of their assault. They subjected the men to torture for nearly two hours, using sex toys, a stun gun, hurling racial slurs, and even carrying out a “mock execution” by firing a gun into Jenkins’ mouth, which went awry. Rather than rendering aid after Elward shot Jenkins in the mouth, they devised a cover-up plan that involved planting drugs and a gun.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced in June that the deputies involved had been fired, and in August, federal prosecutors announced charges. The officers entered a guilty plea as part of a comprehensive agreement, encompassing guilty pleas to state charges.  A date has not yet been set for the sentencing in the state case. However, former officers will serve their federal and state sentences concurrently.

During sentencing on Tuesday, victim impact statements from Jenkins and Parker highlighted the lasting trauma they endured.

Parker expressed how the actions of the six former officers “severely impacted” him, leaving lasting scars. He shared his ongoing struggles with fear, therapy, and the profound humiliation and embarrassment from the assault.

Jenkins, in his statement, conveyed a profound sense of loss and devastation. He expressed disbelief that a casual night with friends nearly cost him his life and spoke of the unimaginable harm inflicted upon him. Jenkins lamented the irreversible damage to his sense of self and the enduring effects on his life.

The statements read in court by Shabazz underscored the profound and lasting impact of this egregious act of violence and racism.