JACKSON, Miss. — Attorneys representing two Black men who faced torture at the hands of Mississippi law enforcement are preparing to file additional lawsuits for others who allege brutality from the same sheriff’s department. This comes on the heels of a civil rights investigation launched by the Justice Department into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation follows the sentencing of several former deputies and a police officer for their roles in a horrific racist attack that involved beatings, the repeated use of stun guns, and other severe abuses against victims. One victim was even shot in the mouth during the incident.
Attorneys have filed a lawsuit seeking $400 million on behalf of the victims, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. They maintain that the issues within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department have been systemic and long-standing, highlighting the department’s mismanagement as a significant concern.
During a press conference, one attorney emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The fight for justice continues.” They have furthermore called for the resignation of Sheriff Bryan Bailey, with community members echoing this demand.
The attorneys recounted the need for the county supervisors to address systemic issues within the department, indicating that the excessive brutality predates Bailey’s tenure as sheriff starting in 2012. They also criticized the current insurance coverage level, arguing that it inadequately reflects the fiscal responsibilities toward victims of law enforcement brutality.
The Justice Department’s inquiry aims to determine whether the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department has engaged in a pattern of excessive force, along with other unlawful practices, potentially rooted in racial discrimination, according to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.
The sheriff’s department has stated its intent to cooperate fully with the federal investigation and claims to have increased its transparency by making its policies and procedures publicly available.
The convicted former officers were part of a group that referred to themselves as the “Goon Squad,” indicating a culture of excessive force. They recently received sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the brutal assault of Jenkins and Parker, which included unlawful entry and prolonged violence.
This case is part of a broader conversation about law enforcement accountability in Mississippi, bringing to light issues that resonate deeply within the community’s historical context of racial violence. Advocates state that, unlike in the past, those who have misused their authority are now facing significant legal consequences for their actions.
