Mississippi Sheriff Aims To Avoid Liability From Federal Lawsuit Over Torture Of Black Men
The Mississippi sheriff who leads the department where former deputies pleaded guilty to a long list of state and federal charges for the torture of two Black men has asked a federal court to dismiss a civil lawsuit against him
Author:Kelly HayesReviewer:Celeste PearlOct 31, 20231K Shares32.9K Views
The Mississippi sheriff, Bryan Bailey, who oversees the department where former deputies pleaded guilty to a range of state and federal charges related to the torture of two Black men, has requested the dismissal of a civil lawsuit against him. Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker were subjected to extrajudicial violence in a case of police brutality that even Sheriff Bailey referred to as the worst he had witnessed.
The lawsuit, seeking $400 million in damages, was filed by Jenkins and Parker against Sheriff Bailey. Bailey's attorney argues that the sheriff should be granted "qualified immunity," a legal concept often shielding law enforcement officers from civil penalties for alleged abuses.
Court records show that Bailey's attorney filed the motion to dismiss the lawsuit on October 6th, just one day after a settlement conference was conducted. A settlement conference is typically scheduled when the parties involved in a lawsuit attempt to resolve the case before it goes to trial.
In response to Bailey's motion, attorneys representing Jenkins and Parker, Malik Shabazz and Trent Walker, have deemed it "meritless." They argue that the evidence shows that the brutality inflicted by what has been referred to as the "Goon Squad" was a long-standing issue, extending beyond the five deputies involved. They assert that this pattern of brutality persisted throughout Bryan Bailey's tenure as sheriff.
In January, five white former Rankin County deputies, along with a police officer from a nearby department, unlawfully entered a house without a warrant in response to a complaint regarding two Black men staying with a white woman. The officers handcuffed and assaulted Jenkins and Parker using stun guns, a sex toy, and other objects. Racial slurs were used during the 90-minute ordeal, which concluded with Jenkins being shot in the mouth by former deputy Hunter Elward in what was described as a "mock execution." Subsequently, the officers engaged in a cover-up operation, including the planting of drugs and a gun, resulting in false charges against the victims that persisted for months.
Some of the officers had nicknamed themselves the "Goon Squad" due to their willingness to use excessive force and conceal their actions. An Associated Press investigation in March linked some of these deputies to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019, resulting in two deaths and one individual sustaining lasting injuries. Pierre Woods, one of the victims, was shot and killed by Rankin County deputies in 2019, leading to a lawsuit against Sheriff Bailey by a family member. A settlement agreement for an undisclosed sum was reached through the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' mediation program, pending approval by a chancery court.
In his motion, Bailey's attorney argues that Jenkins and Parker have not alleged the sheriff's personal participation in the events but have instead claimed inadequate training of the deputies. He asserts that the department's internal policies demonstrate that the deputies received training compliant with the law. Furthermore, he contends that none of the allegations are sufficient to overcome qualified immunity, thus holding Bailey accountable for the deputies' illegal actions.
The law enforcement officers involved in the case, including former deputies McAlpin, Elward, Dedmon, Middleton, and Opdyke, as well as former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield (who was off-duty during the assault), accepted sentences recommended by prosecutors, ranging from five to 30 years, though the judge is not bound by these recommendations.
Kelly Hayes
Author
Kelly Hayes is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in news reporting and horoscope analysis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from New York University, enhancing her credibility and expertise in the field.
Kelly's writing style is characterized by clarity, depth, and a commitment to delivering credible information. Her published works across various platforms showcase her knack for engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.
Readers trust Kelly's expertise in both current events and astrological interpretations, making her a sought-after authority in journalism.
Apart from her professional activities, Kelly enjoys exploring new cultures, practicing yoga, and engaging in philanthropic activities.
Celeste Pearl
Reviewer
Celeste Pearl is an accomplished writer and expert in numerology, astrology, and spirituality.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and over 6 years of writing experience, Celeste brings a wealth of expertise to her articles, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers.
Her passion for metaphysical sciences is evident in her insightful content, where she explores the depths of these subjects with clarity and depth.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Celeste enjoys delving into spiritual practices and connecting with nature for inspiration.
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