JACKSON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SALE AND TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL IN MADISON COUNTY
Tony Levon Hill, 40, of Jackson pled guilty to one count of sale and one count of trafficking of fentanyl in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to ten years without the possibility of parole or early release.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Tony Levon Hill, 40, of Jackson pled guilty to one count of sale and one count of trafficking of fentanyl in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to ten years without the possibility of parole or early release.
In August of 2023, narcotics officers from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, and Ridgeland Police Department were working together as part of a joint fentanyl task force targeting individuals selling fentanyl in Madison County. Working with a confidential informant, they were able to make several purchases of fentanyl pills from Hill while he was at work at a local nursing home in Madison County. The sales all took place on the grounds of the nursing home while he was working. Then, on September 7, 2023, officers made a traffic stop in Ridgeland wherein Hill was the driver. He was found to be in possession of sixty fentanyl pills which is a trafficking amount of the drug.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I want to commend the cooperative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies who worked together to help stop the flood of fentanyl pills into Madison and Rankin counties. These officers intervened so that these drugs being sold by Mr. Hill would not ultimately end up in the hands of our citizens. This drug continues to be deadly, and people continue to seek it out knowing of its dangers. If you are caught selling fentanyl, or any drugs in Madison or Rankin Counties, know you will go to prison. If you have a loved one struggling with drug addiction, especially with fentanyl, please urge them to get help before it is too late.”
Defendant:
Name: TONY LEVON HILL
DOB: 02/20/1985
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WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POISONING ELDERLY MAN WITH FENTANYL
Dixie Cheyenne White, 31, of Florence, pled guilty to aggravated assault as a habitual offender and was sentenced to serve twenty years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Dixie Cheyenne White, 31, of Florence, pled guilty to aggravated assault as a habitual offender and was sentenced to serve twenty years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.
On June 14, 2023, the Ridgeland Police Department received a call regarding an elderly man who was suffering from a drug overdose. The man claimed he had been poisoned by a woman named Dixie and that she had stolen his car. He stated that he had met Dixie at the Food Depot in Jackson and that she had offered to come back to his house to work on his truck with him.
When he was released from the hospital, investigators met with him again and discovered that his iPhone, two handguns, and two credit cards were also missing. Using tag readers throughout the area, investigators were able to locate the stolen vehicle back at the Food Depot with several people inside, including Dixie White. White matched the suspect in the surveillance video obtained from the Food Depot on the date the elderly man stated he had been poisoned.
White was taken into custody and interviewed regarding her knowledge of the stolen car. She confessed to investigators that she had met the elderly man and convinced him she could work on his truck. She stated that later that night, she had poured some fentanyl into a soda so he would go to sleep. When he was asleep, she stole his guns, credit cards, and car.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “It is a miracle the 84-year-old victim in this case survived unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. The defendant could have easily killed this elderly man in her attempt to knock him out so she could rob him blind. I want to commend the investigators of the Ridgeland Police Department for all the work they did to ensure his property was located and the person responsible was apprehended.”
Defendant:
Name: DIXIE CHEYENNE WHITE
DOB: 07/15/1993
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CANTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAMING EX-WIFE FOR DRUG POSSESSION
Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Kenneth Ray Jackson, 47, of Canton, pled guilty to transfer of 10 to 20 dosage units of methamphetamine as a non-violent habitual offender and was sentenced to serve eighteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.
On June 10, 2024, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department received a call from a man identifying himself as Tony. He informed officers that a female Nissan employee was dealing large amounts of drugs and would be working that day. Narcotics investigators immediately began investigating his claims by conducting surveillance of her car. However, the officers quickly became suspicious of Jackson’s claims when they realized that he had given them a false name for himself and failed to inform officers that the woman was his estranged wife.
While investigators were observing the woman’s vehicle, Jackson called them back and stated that there would be 23 ecstasy pills in her gas cap. Shortly after speaking with Jackson, the investigator observed Jackson himself pull up to the victim’s vehicle and deposit a baggie of drugs inside her gas cap. He was immediately arrested and charged with the transfer of a controlled substance.
Other officers located the female inside the Nissan plant working. She consented to the search of her car, and the officers retrieved the bag of ecstasy pills. She informed the officers that Jackson was her estranged husband, and she had received a protective order against Kenneth Jackson four days prior. Investigators also found a lengthy history of disturbance calls by the female on Jackson for violent and destructive behavior during their marriage that had gotten more severe after she told him she wanted a divorce.
Jackson is a habitual offender, having been previously convicted of uttering a forgery, felonious child abuse, and burglary. He will have to serve every day of his eighteen-year sentence without the possibility of early release.
“Kenneth Jackson is no stranger to the criminal justice system,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “He knew exactly what he was doing when he attempted to frame his estranged wife with a felony amount of drugs. I want to commend the officers who took the time to conduct a thorough investigation and realized that the information that they had initially received was wholly false. The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit’s dedication to ensuring accuracy in their investigations allowed them to take a guilty man off the streets and make sure an innocent woman wasn’t charged for the pure maliciousness of her hopefully soon-to-be ex-husband.”
Defendant:
Name: KENNETH RAY JACKSON
Date of Birth: 04/17/1978
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Mendenhall Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Home Burglary
Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Dennis Anthony Walker was sentenced on April 22, 2025, for an October 2023 burglary of a residence in Rankin County. Circuit Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Walker to serve 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
On October 13, 2023, the Rankin County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call at a home on Clara Foote Road for a suspected house burglary. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that the house had been ransacked, and a child's piggy bank had been stolen. Additionally, they found signs of forced entry into the home. Deputies canvased the area, and neighbors reported seeing a male running from the house into a wooded area. Deputies searched where the suspect had escaped but found only a pair of red flip-flops. Continuing their search, Deputies located a vehicle in the woods adjacent to the burglarized residence. Dispatchers informed the deputies that the car belonged to Dennis Anthony Walker. The deputies retrieved Walker's driver's license.
The homeowner arrived home and gave the law enforcement officer access to her surveillance camera. The camera captured images of the burglar prowling through the victim's home. This suspect was wearing red flip-flops. Deputies compared the driver's license to the person in the surveillance video, and it was clear Dennis Walker was the person who broke into the victim's home. Based on this information, an arrest warrant was issued for Walker. Law enforcement also learned that Walker had previous convictions in neighboring counties for house burglary. Investigators later apprehended Walker in Simpson County with the help of Simpson County Deputies. During questioning, Walker admitted he broke into the victim's home.
Defendant:
Name: Dennis Anthony Walker
Date of Birth: 9/6/1979
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JACKSON WOMAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 25 YEARS AFTER BEING BUSTED IN UNDERCOVER STING AT RIDGELAND HOTEL
Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Samantha Lombardi, of Jackson, pled guilty to possession with the intent to sell more than ten but less than thirty grams of methamphetamine and was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur to serve twenty-five years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
In February 2025, the Ridgeland Police Department began an undercover investigation into prostitution and drug sales occurring at Ridgeland area hotels. The undercover officer and Lombardi agreed to meet at the Staybridge Suites, where Lombardi believed she would be engaging in prostitution and selling the individual methamphetamine. When she arrived, she was taken into custody and found to be in possession of various drugs, including methamphetamine, PCP, liquid codeine, ecstasy pills, and marijuana.
Instead of waiting on the crime lab to test all the suspected controlled substances, Lombardi elected to waive grand jury presentment and plead guilty to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell. At the time of her arrest, Lombardi was on three years of non-adjudicated probation for a robbery charge out of Hinds County.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Ms. Lombardi believed she was going to sell drugs and sexual services at a Madison County hotel. Instead, she encountered the Street Crimes Unit of the Ridgeland Police Department. This Unit is dedicated to investigating the drug dealers, drug users, prostitutes, and other criminals seeking to conduct their illegal business in Ridgeland. We commend the hard work of the Ridgeland Police Department in identifying criminal activity and apprehending those responsible.”
Defendant:
Name: SAMANTHA LOMBARDI
DOB: 03/30/1989
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Rankin County Jury Finds 26-Year-Old Man Guilty of Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust
Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Matthew Gardner, 26, was found guilty by a Rankin County jury following a two-day trial last week. Judge Steve Ratcliff will sentence Gardner on June 23, 2025. Gardner is facing up to forty-five years in prison.
On September 19, 2023, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a call to a home regarding a juvenile sexual assault victim. It was reported that the abuse took place at the victim’s residence. The victim disclosed that Gardner was living at the home during the years of sexual abuse.
The victim and a sibling were interviewed by the Parker’s Children’s Advocacy Center in Pearl, Mississippi. The victim received a medical exam at the Children’s Safe Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Law enforcement interviewed the defendant and others, executed search warrants for electronics, the defendant's home, and the defendant’s vehicle, and took photographs. Additionally, law enforcement retrieved physical evidence from the house that the victim shared with the defendant. The physical evidence was sent to the Mississippi Forensics Lab for processing and testing.
The jury heard from the victim, the victim’s sibling, two investigators with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, a nurse practitioner from the Children’s Safe Center who examined the victim, and two forensic scientists with the Mississippi Forensics Lab. Additionally, the defendant testified on his own behalf.
After hearing the testimony over two days, the jury found Gardner guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust. The potential penalty for sexual battery is zero to thirty years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The potential penalty for gratification of lust is two to fifteen years and a $1,000 to $5,000 fine. Gardner will be required to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim. Any sentence imposed on Gardner will be served day for day without the possibility of parole or early release.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a case where the victim lived with the unreported abuse by Gardner for years. We are thankful for the work of the multitude of agencies and law enforcement personnel involved in helping get this victim justice and getting this pedophile off the streets. Our office will continue to fight for and protect our children from abuse.”
Defendant:
Name: James Matthew Gardner
Date of Birth: 01/14/1999
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JACKSON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO $100,000 IN TRAILER THEFTS
Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jayleen Jefferson, of Jackson, pled guilty to grand larceny of more than $25,000 in value.
Madison County, MS—Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jayleen Jefferson, of Jackson, pled guilty to grand larceny of more than $25,000 in value. Circuit Court Dewey Arthur sentenced him to fifteen years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and ordered him to pay restitution to his victims. Upon his release, he will be on post-release supervision for five years.
In June of 2024, the Ridgeland Police Department began investigating a string of thefts involving work trailers over several weeks in Ridgeland and Brandon. Although there were no eyewitnesses to any of the actual thefts, RPD and Brandon PD were able to develop a suspect through video surveillance, communication devices, and other technical evidence. Jefferson, 30, used rental vehicles, switched tags, false alibis, and forged documents in a rather sophisticated operation targeting commercial trailers and their contents.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I would like to thank the officers and investigators with the Brandon Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and the Jackson Airport Police for all of their hard work on this case. Mr. Jefferson stole over $100,000 in trailers and their contents. He went out of his way to try to evade the police but was ultimately unsuccessful. The Ridgeland business community also assisted police by quickly providing surveillance footage to assist their neighboring businesses that Mr. Jefferson had victimized.”
Defendant: Name:
JAYLEEN J. JEFFERSON
DOB: 02/18/1995
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ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED FOR RAPING WOMAN AT LOCAL RESTAURANT
Madison, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett’s Office announced today that Jose “Rigo” Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias pled guilty to one count of sexual battery in Madison County Circuit Court.
Madison, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett’s Office announced today that Jose “Rigo” Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias pled guilty to one count of sexual battery in Madison County Circuit Court. Three months after the commission of the crime, he was sentenced on April 28, 2025, by Judge Dewey Arthur to twenty-five years in prison without the possibility of early release or parole.
Around 1 a.m. on January 30th, 2025, Madison Police Department responded to a female caller who stated she had been raped at Fernando’s, located in the city of Madison. The caller advised that she had gone to the restaurant the night before and sat at the bar. She indicated her assailant was the bartender working that night, who served all of her drinks throughout the night. She did not remember everything that happened, but woke up on the floor of the bar area around midnight, left the premises, and called the police. The owners of Fernando’s assisted law enforcement by immediately providing the surveillance footage from the restaurant that showed the female victim sitting in the bar area after the restaurant closed, speaking with the bartender. She then passes out, almost falling to the floor, and the bartender moves her from a barstool to the floor. He proceeded to have sexual intercourse with the victim while she was completely unconscious and appeared lifeless for over an hour and a half.
Cubias was indicted four days later, on February 3, 2025, for sexual battery of a physically helpless person. Law enforcement also determined he was an illegal El Salvadoran immigrant and alerted federal authorities to his immigration status. He is still facing pending charges for illegal entry into the United States. He was previously deported in 2010.
“Our office wants to commend the Madison Police Department for their immediate response to this situation and securing the surveillance video which captured this victim’s entire ordeal,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “With the video, we were able to see exactly what Jose Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias did to this woman while she was unable to consent or make him stop his assault. I hope this swift justice brings closure to the victim and serves as a warning to anyone thinking of committing a similarly heinous offense.”
Defendant:
Name: Jose “Rigo” Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias
DOB: 10/27/1987
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54-Year-Old Child Molester Pleads Guilty to Attempted Escape and Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., 54, of Brandon, pled guilty to Attempted Escape and Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., 54, of Brandon, pled guilty to Attempted Escape and Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Lovern to two concurrent terms of five (5) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the maximum sentence for each crime. These sentences will be served consecutively to the thirty (30) year sentence Lovern began serving after a Rankin County jury found him guilty of Sexual Battery of a Child and Gratification of Lust in October 2024.
These new convictions come as a result of Lovern's assault of a Rankin County Deputy and attempted escape as he was being taken into custody after the guilty verdicts were returned. While being handcuffed, Lovern tried to grab the deputy's gun, and a struggle ensued. Rankin County Sheriff’s deputies responded quickly and were able to subdue Lovern and prevent his escape.
"If it were not awful enough that this defendant stole the innocence of the child he molested, he compounded his disgusting behavior by attempting to grab a gun and escape from custody just outside the very doors where justice was returned,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We are grateful the deputy and his fellow officers reacted quickly to alleviate the threat. I thank the Rankin County Sheriff's Department for their bravery as they protected our judicial system that day."
Defendant:
Name: Franky Lee Lovern
Date of Birth: 06/13/1970
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38-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Aggravated DUI
Marcal Joshua Collins has been sentenced to serve twenty-five (25) years in the state penitentiary following his guilty plea to two counts of Aggravated DUI in which one victim died and another sustained injuries.
Rankin County—Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Marcal Joshua Collins has been sentenced to serve twenty-five (25) years in the state penitentiary following his guilty plea to two counts of Aggravated DUI in which one victim died and another sustained injuries.
On the night of August 21, 2023, the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies responded to a wreck on I-20 near the Crossgates exit in Brandon. Officers discovered that a Dodge Ram driven by Collins had collided with a Honda Accord driven by Ty O’Neal and carrying his mother, Hattie Lorene O’Neal. Tragically, Ms. O’Neal passed away due to injuries sustained in the wreck. Officers determined that Collins had been driving the wrong way on the interstate and caused the violent head-on collision. Due to a strong odor of alcohol, officers immediately suspected Collins of DUI. Collins admitted to having had several vodka drinks, and officers recovered two vodka bottles from his truck. Collins’s blood alcohol content was .191.
“Lives taken. Lives destroyed. Driving under the influence is pure selfishness; it’s criminal, and it kills,” stated District Attorney Bramlett District. “Our thoughts and prayers continue for the O’Neal family.”
Name: Marcal Joshua Collins
Date of Birth: 11/24/1986
45-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust of a 15-Year-Old
Steven Joseph Tatum, 45, pled guilty to Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust of a 15-year-old girl.
Rankin County – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Steven Joseph Tatum, 45, pled guilty to Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust of a 15-year-old girl.
The Honorable Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Tatum to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Sexual Battery, with fifteen (15) of those years to be served day for day without the possibility of parole or early release. The Honorable Judge Arthur further sentenced Tatum to fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Gratification of Lust. These sentences will run concurrently. Upon his release, Tatum will be placed on supervised probation for an additional 5 years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
On April 15, 2024, the victim’s parents learned that Tatum had sexually abused their daughter. Upon reporting this to the Pearl Police Department, the Pearl Police Department began an extensive investigation, which included obtaining search warrants for digital evidence and a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. Not only did the investigation reveal that Tatum sexually abused the child, but it also uncovered Tatum’s manipulation of the child through electronic communication.
“We stand with the Pearl Police Department in the fight to protect our children and hold their abusers accountable,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We appreciate their diligent efforts as well as the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center who helped us bring this child predator to justice.”
Defendant:
Name: Steven Joseph Tatum
Date of Birth: 5/1/1979
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FENTANYL DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO SIXTEEN YEARS
Blayne Timothee Jones (30) of Jackson, MS, was sentenced by Judge Steve S. Ratcliff to serve sixteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Trafficking in Fentanyl.
Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Blayne Timothee Jones (30) of Jackson, MS, was sentenced by Judge Steve S. Ratcliff to serve sixteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Trafficking in Fentanyl. Jones must serve all 16 years, day for day, without the possibility of parole or early release.
On October 26, 2023, a Madison County Sheriff’s Officer stopped a vehicle driven by Jones. Jones informed the officer that he was on probation and his driver’s license had been suspended. The officer also noted an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A quick probable cause search of the car found a small amount of marijuana. Jones and his passenger were transported to the Madison Police Department, where officers found M30 Fentanyl pills on Jones.
“We hope this is the end to Jones’ criminal behavior and that this sentence will discourage others from choosing to make money by trafficking illegal drugs in and through our county, state, and country,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We appreciate the hard work of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Madison Police Department officers for removing Jones and more of these deadly Fentanyl pills off our streets.”
Defendant:
Name: Blayne Timothee Jones
DOB: 10/11/1994
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27-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a Child
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Dejuan Shaikel Wells, 27, of Pearl, pled guilty to Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a child.
Rankin County – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Dejuan Shaikel Wells, 27, of Pearl, pled guilty to Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a child. The Honorable Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Wells to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Statutory Rape and fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Gratification of Lust of a Child. These sentences will run concurrently. Wells will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Wells must register as a sex offender.
On June 2, 2023, the child’s mother discovered the abuse and immediately reported it to the Pearl Police Department. The Pearl Police Department sprang into action and conducted an in-depth investigation, which included a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. During the interview, the child disclosed details of the abuse.
“Our office will continue to fight to bring all child predators to justice,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “Because of the brave reporting of the victim and family, as well as the extensive work of the Pearl Police Department and Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, this child predator is behind bars where he belongs,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett.
Defendant:
Name: WELLS, DAJUAN SHAIKEL
Date of Birth: 12/20/1997
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BRANDON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE MURDER AND LSD TRAFFICKING
Bubba Bramlett announced that Tyler Franklin Gorrell, 36, of Brandon, Mississippi, pled guilty to second-degree murder and trafficking in a controlled substance
Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Tyler Franklin Gorrell, 36, of Brandon, Mississippi, pled guilty to second-degree murder and trafficking in a controlled substance. Gorrell will serve thirty (30) years in prison, day for day, with no possibility of early release.
On January 27, 2024, the Brandon Police Department received a call from Gorrell that there had been an accident and his wife, Carri Gorrell, was deceased. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Gorrell was responsible for his wife’s death. Additionally, the Brandon Police Department discovered that Gorrell was on drugs at the time, and they removed multiple drugs from the home, including a large amount of lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD.
“Gorrell engaged in illegal drug use and then took the life of someone whom he vowed to love and protect,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “This unacceptable action highlights the grave dangers of drug use and its impact on decision-making. But we are thankful that the thorough investigation by the Brandon Police Department helped ensure that another selfish criminal ended up behind bars where he belongs.”
Defendant:
Name: Tyler Franklin Gorrell
Date of Birth: 08/11/1988
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Woman Pleads Guilty to DUI Death for Wrong Way Wreck that Killed Local Teacher
District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jordan Leah Sullivan, 33, of Louisville Mississippi pled guilty to one count Aggravated DUI in Madison County Circuit Court.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jordan Leah Sullivan, 33, of Louisville Mississippi pled guilty to one count Aggravated DUI in Madison County Circuit Court. She faces up to twenty five years in prison and will be sentenced by Judge Dewey Arthur on February 10, 2025. She was taken into custody awaiting sentencing.
On June 24, 2024 Gluckstadt Police Department responded to a car wreck on I-55 North. On scene, they discovered that Sullivan had been driving the wrong way on the interstate and hit another car head on. Tyra Small-Jackson was the driver of the vehicle that was hit and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Her father and infant child were also in the car but did not suffer any injuries. Officers immediately suspected Sullivan of DUI and located multiple bottles of Fireball whiskey inside the vehicle and smelled alcohol on her. Her blood alcohol content was .241. Multiple witnesses reported her driving the wrong way on the interstate before she struck Jackson’s vehicle. Officers located the liquor store and obtained a copy of the receipt where she had purchased twenty airplane bottles that morning and also discovered text messages where she admitted to drinking prior to the accident.
Jackson was a Canton native and a veteran teacher. She had been named the 23-24 Nichols Middle School Teach of the Year.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Our hearts go out to the family of Mrs. Small-Jackson. There is no amount of time the defendant can serve that will bring back this innocent woman who was a beloved daughter, mother, and sister. We can only hope that this guilty plea will provide some small amount of comfort and closure as they continue to grieve. Driving drunk is the height of irresponsibility and selfishness and Mrs. Sullivan deserves every day she is sentenced to serve in prison for her actions.”
Defendant:
Name: Jordan Leah Sullivan
DOB: 09/10/1991
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Jackson Man Sentenced for Northbay Drive-by Shooting
District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Roman Cortez Hines, 38, of Ridgeland, Mississippi pled guilty to the crime of drive-by shooting in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve a term of fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Roman Cortez Hines, 38, of Ridgeland, Mississippi pled guilty to the crime of drive-by shooting in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve a term of fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
On July 11, 2024 Madison Police Department responded to a call in the Northbay subdivision. On scene, officers located one .223 caliber shell casing . Surveillance footage from the victim’s home showed a man on a motorcycle drive past the home and fire multiple times at the house. Officers were able to isolate a picture of the distinctive jacket the man was wearing. They then tracked the jacket to a manufacturer in Canada who was able to provide a purchase list of everyone in Mississippi who had purchased from the store. The Defendant was one of only 22 customers from Mississippi, and records showed he had purchased the particular jacket seen on the surveillance tapes. Investigators also determined he owned a motorcycle matching the one seen in surveillance tapes. Registration records showed Hines also owned a black van that can be seen on both surveillance tapes and license plate readers driving in the area of the victim’s home on multiple occasions.
Law enforcement then performed a search on Hines’s home and located the jacket and the motorcycle. Hines was found to be in possession of a rifle that the Mississippi Crime Lab determined was consistent with the .223 shell casing found on scene. Investigators also obtained the Defendant’s cell phone which showed him searching for the male resident of the house in question and making notes regarding the address.
District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “This is a case that was solved by the hard work and dedication of the Madison Police Department. To identify a suspect through an article of clothing that was manufactured in another country and then use that lead to build a solid case resulting in a guilty plea is what makes the city of Madison one of the safest towns in this state. We hope this guilty plea and sentence will bring back that sense of safety to the victims and the other residents of Northbay. Let this also be a lesson to potential criminals – gun violence is never the answer, and my office will seek prison for those who shoot weapons in our counties.”
Defendant:
Name: Roman Cortez Hines
DOB: 04/19/1986
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Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years Without Parole for Gun Trafficking
Kyler Seamster, 29, of Sumner Mississippi pled guilty to one count of trafficking in stolen firearms and was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Kyler Seamster, 29, of Sumner Mississippi pled guilty to one count of trafficking in stolen firearms and was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Seamster is a non-violent habitual offender which requires him to serve the fifteen years day for day without the possibility of parole. Under Mississippi law, trafficking in stolen firearms consist of being in possession of two or more firearms knowing that they are stolen.
On April 13, 2024 Gluckstadt Police Departments stopped a car for improper equipment. During the traffic stop, officers discovered that the car was also the suspect vehicle in several recent auto burglaries in the Bear Creek subdivision. Seamster was the driver and only occupant of the car. Officers saw marijuana roaches in the ashtray and smelled marijuana coming from Seamster and the car. Officers searched the vehicle and found three firearms that had all been stolen from various auto burglaries in the previous two weeks. Officers also found the clothing and a backpack that could be seen on neighborhood surveillance tapes. Seamster had previously been convicted of house burglary and grand larceny which made him a habitual offender and ineligible for parole.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I urge the public to not leave valuables, especially firearms, in your vehicles. Guns have become the number one target for thieves. Suspects will go from driveway to driveway breaking into multiple cars in a short period of time. And they are only looking for one thing: guns. These guns are then sold on the black market, used in violent crimes, or traded for other illegal substances. We are grateful for the Gluckstadt PD for recognizing this suspect quickly and not only apprehending a career criminal but also recovering the stolen guns and keeping them out of the wrong hands.”
Defendant:
Name: Kyler Seamster
DOB: 11/23/1995
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Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Dragging Woman While Stealing Her Car
Edward Carroll Walker, 58, pled guilty to aggravated assault in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve the maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Edward Carroll Walker, 58, pled guilty to aggravated assault in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve the maximum penalty of twenty years in prison.
At 7 a.m. on April 4, 2023 law enforcement officers with the Ridgeland Police Department were dispatched to the Chevron on E. County Line Road in reference to a car being stolen. Once on scene, they met with the victim who stated she had stopped at the gas station to get a cup of coffee on her way to work. She left her car running while she ran inside and when she returned, she found the Defendant getting in her car. She attempted to stop him by opening the driver’s side door and trying to get him out, but he drove off with her still holding onto the door. He drug the victim through the parking lot before she was able to let go as he entered onto County Line. She suffered injuries as a result of the incident.
Officers soon located the stolen car at the Red Roof Inn. They spotted an individual matching the description provided by the victim looking out one of the motel windows in front of where the stolen vehicle was parked. Officers were able to quickly apprehend Walker who was in possession of the victim’s credit card.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Mr. Walker made a series of terrible decisions the morning of April 4, 2023. He entered into a vehicle he knew wasn’t his, he stole the car and the contents inside the car, but the worse decision he made was dragging the innocent female as she tried to stop him from taking her property. I want to commend the Ridgeland Police Department for acting quickly and apprehending the suspect before he was able to use the victim’s credit card or cause damage to her car. Hopefully, after he serves this twenty year sentence, he will think twice before coming to Madison County and so recklessly committing crimes or injuring our citizens.”
Defendant:
Name: Edward Carroll Walker
DOB: 08/13/1966
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Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Secretly Filming Underage Girls at Local Parks
Satoshi Maehata, 27, pled guilty to two counts of filming a child under the age 16 without permission where there was an expectation of privacy.
Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Satoshi Maehata, 27, pled guilty to two counts of filming a child under the age 16 without permission where there was an expectation of privacy. He was sentenced to ten years to serve on each count, with those terms to be served consecutive to one another for a total of twenty years in prison. He will also have to register as a sex offender when he is released.
Madison and Ridgeland Police Departments received several complaints involving a man at Liberty Park and the Renaissance offering snacks to young girls in exchange for hugs. Investigators with MPD began doing surveillance at Liberty Park and located the individual matching the suspect’s description. The suspect gave consent to search his car where agents found a small camera disguised as a pen along with various candy and snacks.
Investigators interviewed Maehata and he admitted to having inappropriate videos that he took of underage girls on his computer. Officers performed a forensic examination of the computer and located multiple clips that appeared to show footage of females taken from under their skirts at both Liberty Park and Renaissance.
District Attorney Bramlett stated, “The facts of this case are vile and unacceptable. Our daughters should not have to worry about someone filming under their skirts while they are at the local park or standing in line to get a smoothie. Unfortunately, we must teach our children to always be vigilant of what is happening around them and to always report suspicious behavior. I want to thank the MPD and RPD investigators for their dedication to solving this case and ensuring this man will not be able to violate women in our community for a long time.”
Defendant:
Name: Satoshi Robert Maehata
DOB: 11/18/1997
FLORENCE MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS AS A HABITUAL OFFENDER
Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Michael Hopkins, 46, of Florence, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit grand larceny.
Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Michael Hopkins, 46, of Florence, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit grand larceny. Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Hopkins to the mandatory maximum sentence of five years as a habitual offender in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Due to his extensive criminal record, Hopkins, as a habitual offender, will not be eligible for early release or parole.
On December 19, 2023, a Pearl business owner reported to the Pearl Police Department that a dirt bike had been stolen from the business’s premises. Pearl police reviewed surveillance videos, employed other investigative techniques, and ultimately determined that James Michael Hopkins was involved. Using his truck, Hopkins scoped out the business, spotted the dirt bike, and then sent several others – including minors – back to carry out his plan and steal the dirt bike.
“This case illustrates one person’s criminal lifestyle can negatively affect those around him,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “A habitual offender concocted a plan to steal and then sent kids back to do his dirty work. We are thankful for the efforts of the Pearl Police Department, jurors, and the judicial system for holding Hopkins accountable for his criminal act and his negative influence on the lives of others.”
Defendant:
Name: James Michael Hopkins
Date of Birth: 2/15/1978
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