Two former Mississippi police officers, Hunter Elward and Jeffrey Middleton, have been sentenced to a total of 37 years for their involvement in the torture of two black men in their own home. The men, who were part of a group known as the “Goon Squad,” entered the victims’ home without a warrant and subjected them to a brutal assault involving beatings, stun guns, and sexual assault. One of the victims was even shot in the mouth during a botched mock execution.
Elward received a 20-year sentence for his role in the attack, while Middleton was sentenced to just over 17 years. The other four officers involved are set to be sentenced later in the week. The group pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses in August, including charges of conspiracy against rights, obstruction of justice, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
The crimes committed by the former officers have been described as a “heinous attack on citizens” by US Attorney General Merrick Garland, who stated that the officers had “betrayed public trust.” The incident has brought attention to a larger pattern of violent police misconduct in the area, with reports linking some of the officers to multiple other violent encounters, including ones that resulted in deaths.
In court, one of the victims, Michael Jenkins, described the impact of the assault, stating that it had left a lasting scar. Despite the trauma they endured, Jenkins and his co-victim, Eddie Parker, expressed forgiveness towards the officers during the sentencing.
As investigations into the incident continue, Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, under whom the officers served, is facing a $400 million lawsuit for allegedly failing to properly train his team. The case has shed light on the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies to prevent similar acts of brutality in the future.
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