The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi after officers were accused of torturing two Black men. The officers were accused of assault with a sex toy, beatings, and the use of stun guns in a brutal attack on Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. Five Rankin County sheriff’s deputies and one Richland police officer were convicted for their involvement in the attack and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 40 years. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee described the officers’ actions as “egregious and despicable.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced that the Justice Department would investigate the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for potential patterns of excessive force, unlawful stops, searches, arrests, and racially biased policing. Clarke expressed concerns about the deputies misusing stun guns, unlawfully entering homes, using racial slurs, and using cruel tactics to assault individuals in custody. The investigation was prompted by a racist call for vigilante violence made by Deputy Brett McAlpin, which led to the brutal attack on Jenkins and Parker.
The attorneys for Jenkins and Parker, Malik Shabazz and Trent Walker, welcomed the investigation as a first step in cleaning up the Sheriff’s Department and holding Rankin County accountable for constitutional violations. They criticized Sheriff Bailey for failing to properly monitor and supervise the department despite numerous warnings. The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Facebook, stating that they would fully cooperate with the DOJ investigation and welcome input into updating their policies and practices. The Department of Justice’s investigation follows the sentencing of the officers involved in the attack on Jenkins and Parker.
The officers involved in the attack on Jenkins and Parker were part of a group called the “Goon Squad,” known for their excessive force. Federal prosecutors revealed that the officers handcuffed the victims, assaulted them with sex objects, doused them with various substances, and forced them to strip naked and shower together. Attorney General Merrick Garland described the crimes committed by the defendants as depraved and emphasized the seriousness of the sentencing. The DOJ investigation will focus on addressing systemic issues within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, including the use of excessive force, unlawful practices, and racial bias in policing.
The Justice Department’s probe into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reflects a commitment to accountability and justice for victims of police brutality and misconduct. The investigation aims to uncover patterns of misconduct and address systemic issues within the department to prevent future incidents of violence and abuse. By holding the officers accountable for their actions and implementing reforms within the Sheriff’s Department, the DOJ seeks to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect by law enforcement officers. The investigation is a critical step towards addressing the constitutional violations and restoring trust in law enforcement agencies within the community.
