District Attorney Warns of Jury Duty Scam

Rankin County, MS – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett is warning local citizens of a recent telephone scam. Fraudulent callers inform the victims that they are with their local police, sheriff’s department, district attorney’s office, or the county courts. The caller tells them that they have missed a jury duty summons and therefore could be found in contempt of court. The caller may even claim that a warrant has been used for their arrest. 

The caller then instructs the victim to send money to avoid arrest. The victim is asked to provide their bank account information or send money via cash app, PayPal, Venmo, or a wire transfer. In other cases, the scammer may trick the victim into providing more sensitive personal information like their date of birth, Social Security number, or credit or debit card numbers. 

“Please be aware that even though these calls appear to be from a local police or sheriff departments phone number, a law officer or judge will never demand payment from a public member, nor would an officer come to collect money from you,” stated Bramlett. “These scammers are using real names, and it appears they have all your correct information, but please don’t fall victim.”

Courts almost exclusively contact individuals about jury duty or missed jury duty by postal mail. NOT by phone or email. In addition, actual court-related phone calls are only made during regular business hours. So please do not fall victim to this phone scam or any other scam in which someone you do not know asks for personal information or banking information. 

If you feel you have fallen victim to this missed jury duty scam or any other telephone scam, please report the incident to 601.825.1472.

SHARE

Pearl Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Aggravated Domestic Violence

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on Monday, May 9, 2022, Rankin County Circuit Court Judge Brad Mills sentenced Edward (Robby) Robert Harvey of Pearl to twenty years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the felony offense of Aggravated Domestic Violence.

Edward (Robby) Robert Harvey was found guilty by a Rankin County Jury for the felony offense of Aggravated Domestic Violence on March 22, 2022.

On April 15, 2021, Pearl Police responded to a domestic violence call at the home of Robby Harvey.  Pearl Police received information that the victim ran from the home of Robert Harvey and fled to a neighbor’s house. Upon arrival, Pearl Police immediately located the victim and ensured that she was safe.  She had several injuries including a gun barrel imprint on her forehead, severe swelling to her face, and choke marks on her neck. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated “Harvey held a gun to the victim’s head, threatened to kill her, hit her multiple times in the face with the gun, and strangled her to the point of nearly passing out. Fortunately, the victim was able to escape to her neighbor’s house, or the outcome could have been much worse. Harvey refused to cooperate with officers and after a 30-minute standoff, the Pearl Police were able to apprehend and arrest him.”   

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett added “Our prayers go out to the victim as she recovers from Harvey’s abuse. She was extremely brave and courageous to stand up against her abuser. I want to thank the Pearl Police Department for the outstanding job they did in this case. Their hard work helped secure a conviction that will prevent Harvey from harming the victim and others in the future."

Defendant:

Name: Edward (Robby) Robert Harvey

Date of Birth: 09/22/80

Download press release.

SHARE

Pearl Man Convicted of Aggravated Domestic Violence

Rankin County, MS – The Rankin County District Attorney’s Office announced that Edward (Robby) Robert Harvey was found guilty on March 22, 2022, by a Rankin County Jury on one count of aggravated domestic violence.

Pearl Police responded to a possible strangulation domestic violence call on April 15, 2021, at the home of Robby; on arrival, Harvey refused to come to the door and refused to cooperate with officials. Finally, after a 30-minute standoff, Harvey surrendered to negotiators and was arrested and charged. Harvey will be sentenced by Judge Brad Mills on May 9, 2022, and will face up to 20 years.

“We want to thank the Pearl police officers and Rankin County jurors who spent countless hours on this case. Their efforts helped us get another abuser off the streets and behind bars where he will pay for the crime he committed,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett.

Defendant:
Name: Edward (Robby) Robert Harvey
Date of Birth: 09/22/80

SHARE

Madison County Judges Sentence Habitual Drug Offenders

Madison, MS – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on Monday, March 28, 2022, Madison County Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Torrey Powell of Canton to a total of forty years for two counts of Possession of Methamphetamine.

Powell had at least six prior felony convictions in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Mississippi. Because he had been previously convicted of drug offenses, he was considered a subsequent drug offender, which doubled his maximum sentence on the current drug offenses. He was also a non-violent habitual offender, which requires that he serve the maximum sentence allowed by law without parole or early release.

On April 29, 2020, an officer with the Madison Police Department made a routine traffic stop. Powell was the driver of the car, but a female and infant child were in the backseat. The officer found Powell did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance and asked Powell to step out of the car. For safety reasons, Powell was patted down, where a pill bottle was found in Powell’s front pocket. Powell admitted the bottle contained ecstasy pills, methamphetamine, and heroin. The Mississippi Crime Lab tested two of the substances and found both contained methamphetamine – one in a pill form and one in powder form.

On Monday, Judge Arthur also sentenced Carlos Dominque Allen of Jackson to 100 years for the Sale of Fentanyl, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Hydrocodone, and Possession of Amphetamine. In addition, Judge Brad Mills sentenced Lucas Howard to serve sixty years after a jury convicted him of Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Sale and Conspiracy to Sale Cocaine. Like Powell, both Allen and Howard were subsequent drug offenders and habitual offenders.

“All three of these cases are prime examples of how habitual offenders revolve in and out of our justice system,” stated Bramlett. “A statement was made Monday with these three important sentences. We are thankful for the tireless efforts of our law enforcement, jurors, and judicial system, who are all doing their diligent part to get these drugs and felons off our streets.”

Defendant:
Name: Torrey Powell
Date of Birth: 12/22/1979

Defendant:
Name: Carlos Dominique Allen
Date of Birth: 06/27/1988

Defendant:
Name: Lucas Montel Howard AKA “Bam”
Date of Birth: 07/15/1979

SHARE

Canton Man Sentenced for DUI Homicide

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jerodrick George of Canton pled guilty to one count of Driving Under the Influence Resulting in Death. Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced him to serve a term of twenty years in prison.

On November 2, 2018, Jerodrick George was driving westbound on Highway 16 when his pickup truck struck and killed Cheryl L. Clark. Clark was walking in the same direction as George was driving. The force of the impact caused her to be thrown off the roadway and into a nearby ditch. She was killed instantly from the impact. George attempted to leave the scene, but his car was not drivable due to the force of the collision. His blood alcohol content was .107 when he was later taken to the hospital for minor injuries he sustained from the crash.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol Crash Team worked the accident. They determined that when George hit Clark, he was not only drunk, but he was also traveling at least 80 miles per hour which is twenty-five miles over the posted speed limit. George has four prior DUI convictions and did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident.

Bramlett stated, “This is number five for George, and this time he took an innocent life. He is a danger to every single person reading this, as well as their families. Judge Ratcliff put him exactly where he needs to be, and for a proper and significant amount of time. Our prayers continue for the family and friends of Cheryl Clark, as they now continue their lives without her.”

Defendant:
Name: Jerodrick E. George
Date of Birth: 1/29/1988

Habitual Drug Dealer Convicted of Directing Drug Sales from Jail

Prior convicted felon, Lucas Howard, was found guilty by a Madison County jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

In October of 2019, officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department began monitoring the outgoing jail phone calls of Howard as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Howard was in the detention center on other controlled substance charges. While listening to the phone calls, they discovered that Howard was continuing his drug enterprise through his girlfriend while in jail. He was directing her to go to Jackson and buy drugs and bring them back into Canton where she and others were intending to sell them out of Howard’s residence.

Upon further investigation, officers came into contact with his girlfriend and co-defendant, Alissa Washington, and discovered her bringing cocaine back from Jackson on November 2, 2019. Law enforcement officers found 26 grams of cocaine on her person after the traffic stop.

“You shouldn’t deal drugs, or commit any other crimes for that matter, while you are in jail. Mr. Howard had a lengthy and serious criminal record, and we hope that after this guilty verdict, he will receive the maximum allowed by law. He had been convicted at least three prior times for sale of cocaine. He is a habitual offender and a subsequent drug offender and will not be parole eligible. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job investigating this case and ensuring his conviction.”

“People who show up for jury duty,” Bramlett continued, “are the reason we have been able to get three habitual offenders convicted this court term. Each of these men had lengthy drug histories and never seemed to learn their lesson. Now, they will be in prison for substantial amounts of time. Let this be a lesson to the drug dealers in our counties.”

Defendant:

Lucas Montel Howard AKA “Bam”

Date of Birth: 07/15/1979

Madison County Jury Convicts Habitual Drug Offender

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Torrey Powell of Canton was convicted by a jury of two counts of possession of methamphetamine after a two day jury trial. Powell is a habitual offender and subsequent drug offender that may be subjected to double the maximum sentence allowed by law without the eligibility of early release or parole. Judge Dewey Arthur set sentencing in this matter for Monday, March 28, 2022 at 9 a.m. at the Madison County Circuit Courthouse.

On April 29, 2020, an officer with the Madison Police Department made a routine traffic stop and encountered Powell, who was driving the car. There was also a female and infant child sitting in the backseat. Powell did not have a valid driver’s license or insurance and was asked to step out of the car so that the officer could attempt to run his information through dispatch. The officer patted him down for officer safety and felt a pill bottle in his front, pant pocket. Powell admitted the bottle contained ecstasy pills, methamphetamine, and heroin. The Mississippi Crime Lab tested two of the substances and found them both to contain methamphetamine – one in a pill form and one in powder form.

After an investigation into Powell’s criminal background, it was discovered that he had been previously convicted on at least nine separate occasions of felony offenses – most of them for drugs.

Last week, another Madison County jury convicted Carlos Dominque Allen of Sale of Fentanyl, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Hydrocodone, and Possession of Amphetamine. Like Powell, he is a habitual offender and subsequent drug offender. His sentencing is also set for March 28, 2022 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Dewey Arthur.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a prime example of the revolving door that is the criminal justice system at times. This was Torrey Powell’s tenth time to face felony charges. He had prior convictions in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Mississippi. I am so glad law enforcement was able to take these drugs off the street, and that the jurors of Madison County made it possible to take a convicted felon off the streets. He is facing a considerable amount of time for these offenses, and due to him being convicted as both a habitual offender and subsequent drug offender, we hope his eventual sentence will keep him from being parole eligible for a very long time.

Defendant:

Torrey Powell

Date of Birth: 12/22/1979

Fentanyl Dealer Found Guilty

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Carlos Dominique Allen of Jackson was convicted by a jury of Sale of Fentanyl, Trafficking of Fentanyl, Possession of Hydrocodone, and Possession of Amphetamine after a three day jury trial. Allen is a habitual offender and subsequent drug offender that may be subjected to a maximum sentence without the eligibility of early release or parole. Judge Dewey Arthur set sentencing in this matter for Monday, March 28, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at the Madison County Circuit Courthouse.

“This case originated from an overdose and death investigation that occurred in Madison County,” said District Attorney Bramlett. “In this particular case, the Madison Police Department was able to locate the source and purchase Fentanyl pills through the use of a cooperating witness.”

“Our law enforcement in Madison and Rankin Counties should be commended for their tireless efforts in ridding our communities of this deadly drug,” said District Attorney Bramlett. “The Madison Police Department kept over 150 potentially deadly pills of Fentanyl off the streets and out of the hands of our young people.”

Counterfeit pain pills are causing significant overdose deaths in Mississippi. These pills often contain fentanyl, an opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. While these pills look identical to medications such as hydrocodone, oxycodone or xanax, these counterfeit versions often contain fentanyl.

Defendant:

Carlos Dominique Allen

Date of Birth: 06/27/1988

Former UMMC Police Officer Convicted of Sexual Battery on a Child

Former UMMC Police Officer Justin Bradshaw was found guilty of one count of Sexual Battery of a child under age 14 after a 2-day trial in Madison County. The victim, a female child relative, said that the abuse began on a family beach trip when she was 7 or 8 years old and continued for several years until she disclosed the abuse at age 11. The victim testified that she kept the abuse a secret because Bradshaw said he would not love her anymore if she told her mother. The victim described many instances of sexual abuse that would occur multiple times a week after school in the afternoons while her mother was at work. The victim’s mother alerted law enforcement immediately after the child’s disclosure, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department started an investigation. The child was taken to the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center where she was administered a forensic interview. The interview was played for the jury during trial. Bradshaw took the stand in his defense and testified that he could not think of a reason for the victim to make up these allegations, only that she must have wanted him out of her life. After one hour of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty.

Bradshaw will be sentenced by Judge Steve Ratcliff on February 14, 2022. The minimum sentence for Sexual Battery of a child under age 14 is 20 years, with the maximum of life imprisonment. Any sentence Bradshaw receives will be served day-for-day, without the possibility of early release or parole. He will also be required by law to register as a sex offender.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a prime example of why you should always talk to your children about inappropriate behaviors and make sure that they know that they can always tell you anything – no matter what. Impress upon them that there is absolutely nothing they can do that would make you stop loving them. I am so thankful that this child finally told her mom what Bradshaw was doing to her. Four years of sexual abuse is horrific, but perhaps now she can truly begin the healing process. I am so thankful for the team that came together to get this guilty verdict, especially the Sheriff’s Office and the Children’s Advocacy Center. I would also like to thank, as always, all the jurors that showed up to jury duty, especially those that served in this case. We could not continue to make Madison and Rankin counties the safe places they are without people willing to come and serve.”

Defendant:

Name: Justin Miller Bradshaw

Date of Birth: 06/26/1989

Found guilty at trial of Sexual Battery – to be sentenced on February 14, 2022.

Canton Man Found Guilty at Trial for being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Elbert George Robinson was found guilty after a jury trial in Madison County Circuit Court of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

On April 2, 2021, an officer with the Madison Police Department made a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Robinson on I-55 . The officer smelled burnt marijuana coming from the car, and Robinson admitted that there was a half-smoked marijuana cigarette in the ash tray. Officers then searched the vehicle and located a loaded magazine belonging to a .380 pistol in the center console of the car and .380 pistol under the front driver seat. Robinson admitted that he knew the gun was in the car. Robinson had been previously convicted of sale of a controlled substance within 1500 feet of a church in Madison County.

Robinson went to trial on the matter in front of a Madison County jury. He was found guilty of the charge and sentenced to serve ten years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge Brad Mills. This is the maximum sentence allowed by law.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “The law in Mississippi is clear that if you have been convicted of a felony you are no longer allowed to carry a firearm of any type. Our law enforcement officers are always on the lookout for illegal guns whether they be stolen or in the possession of someone who is a convicted felon. We will not tolerate people illegally possessing guns in Madison and Rankin counties. Once again, we applaud our citizens for showing up in a big way, participating in our jury trials, and protecting our communities. And finally, it was nice seeing the maximum sentence imposed on this repeat felon.”

Defendant:

Name: Elbert George Robinson

Date of Birth: 03/28/1983

Found guilty at trial of Felon in Possession of a Firearm (sentenced to 10 years to serve)

Seven Madison County Men Sentenced for Involvement in Gun Trafficking Case

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett, announced today that seven people have been found guilty for their parts in a massive burglary of a Madison County deer camp.

On October 30, 2019, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call regarding a break in at a deer camp located in Camden. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the residence and an outbuilding had been broken into and ransacked. Among the items missing were six ATV’s, two trailers, at least thirty firearms, a gun safe, and various trail cameras and hunting gear.

The Sheriff’s Department was able to develop suspects using pictures from trail cameras located around the property that had captured several men entering the property on two separate occasions on October 29, 2019. They located fourteen of the missing firearms including one on a juvenile in Jackson and one on the internet for sale in Nevada. Officers were able to locate all of the ATV’s and one trailer near the residence of one of the suspects. Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur handed down over 200 years total between seven defendants.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This should be an important lesson to anyone that has deer camps or secondary residences in which they keep firearms, ATVs or other valuables. You must stay aware and take advantage of home security systems particularly those with cameras. Pivotal to the prosecution in this case were the photographs taken off the trail cameras that captured the burglaries while they were happening. A crime such as this will have far reaching and long-term effects on this community and possibly nationwide. There are still at least sixteen guns on the black market that can be used in other crimes such as armed robbery, armed carjacking, and murder. These seven men targeted the deer camp to steal and then sell firearms. Gun trafficking is a serious and scary crime. We are thankful to the Madison S.O. for working so hard to solve this case and bring all of these criminals to justice. And finally, we are so fortunate to have outstanding citizens throughout Madison and Rankin Counties who are honoring their jury summonses, participating in trials, and keeping our communities safe.”

Defendants:

Name: Trevon Carmichael AKA “Lil Money”

Date of Birth: 02/14/1999

Found guilty at trial of Trafficking in Stolen Firearms, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary of a Dwelling, and Grand Larceny (sentenced to 25 years to serve)

Name: Genoris Williamson AKA “Geno”

Date of Birth: 11/26/1999

Found guilty at trial of Trafficking in Stolen Firearms, Burglary of a Dwelling, and Burglary of a Shed (sentenced to 48 years to serve)

Name: Latavious Leach AKA “Tay Tay”

Date of Birth: 02/09/2000

Pled guilty to trafficking in stolen firearms, accessory after the fact to burglary of a dwelling, and grand larceny (sentenced to 40 years to serve)

Name: Kendravious T. Jobe AKA “KJ”

Date of Birth: 09/19/2001

Pled guilty to trafficking in stolen firearms, accessory after the fact to burglary of a dwelling, , and grand larceny (sentenced to 40 years to serve)

Name: Lakeith Smith

Date of Birth: 10/03/2001

Pled guilty to trafficking in stolen firearms, accessory after the fact to burglary of a dwelling, and grand larceny (sentenced to 25 years to serve)

Name: Laregious Carter

Date of Birth: 10/27/1999

Pled guilty to trafficking in stolen firearms, accessory after the fact to burglary of a dwelling, and grand larceny (sentenced to 25 years to serve)

Name: Quintavious Davis AKA “Tae”

Date of Birth: 12/23/1999

Pled guilty to trafficking in stolen firearms, burglary of a dwelling, and grand larceny (sentencing to be at a later date)

Forty Two Year Old Man Receives Twenty Five Year Sentence for Sexual Battery Involving Nine Year Old Girl

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett, announced today that John Anthony Gardner, 42, was sentenced to serve 25 years for Sexual Battery. The sentence was handed down after a two day trial in Madison Circuit Court. All time will have to be served day for day without the chance of early release or parole. Gardner will also have to register as a sex offender after he is released from custody.

In September 2019, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint regarding potential sexual abuse regarding a minor child. The child alleged that her mother’s long-term boyfriend had been sexually assaulting her since she was nine years old in both Madison and Rankin Counties. The child was 14 years old at the time she disclosed the abuse to her mother and then authorities. The Madison and Rankin County Sheriff’s Departments conducted a joint investigation into the allegations, and Gardner was indicted for sexual battery in both counties.

Gardner proceeded to trial on the Madison County charges and a jury convicted him after a very short deliberation. At trial, the minor child described the years of sexual abuse by Gardner. It began when he would take her hunting or fishing but continued at home when her mother would be at work. Two of Gardner’s biological children also testified against him at trial.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This case was made possible by the hard work and dedication of both the Madison and Rankin County Sheriff’s Departments. This district is blessed to have so many agencies within it that are dedicated to protecting our children. But more importantly, we were able to get a guilty verdict due to the bravery of a teenage girl who stood up against her abuser and most likely saved countless other victims in the process. I am so proud of her, our outstanding law enforcement, our team at the District Attorney’s Office, and our citizens who are continuing to honor their commitment to jury service.”

Defendant:

Name: John Anthony Gardner

Date of Birth: 11/28/1978

Two Men Plead Guilty to Murder of Canton Man at Canton Sportsplex

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that both Jaheen Harris and Tyjerious Sims pled guilty to the murder of Dario Robinson.

On December 18, 2020, Dario Robinson was found shot to death in the Canton Sportsplex parking lot. Through an exhaustive investigation by both the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Canton Police Department, it was determined that Tyjerious Sims and Jaheen Harris robbed Robinson of his wallet and car, and Harris shot Robinson.

Officers were able to locate Robinson’s car outside of Canton. The suspects had attempted to set it on fire. Officers also located Robinson’s car keys inside Sim’s house. Cell phone analytics also tied Sims and Robinson to the area during the time of the robbery and murder. Both suspects were arrested and gave confessions to law enforcement.

Once booked into the jail, Harris assaulted a detention officer which led to additional charges for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He pled guilty to first degree murder and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Harris to life in prison for the murder of Robinson and added ten years consecutive to his life sentence for the assault on the detention officer. Sims pled to second degree murder, which carries up to forty (40) years without parole. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Defendants:

Name: Jaheen Harris

Date of Birth: 04/22/2002

Name: Tyjerious Sims

Date of Birth: 03/10/2001

Jefferson Davis County man convicted of Murder

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that 27-year-old Dantrell Jerome Hunter, of Prentiss, was sentenced to thirty years to serve incarcerated for the murder of a female in Rankin County.

On January 19, 2021, Deputies with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for an unresponsive female who was located at a residence on Conerly Road, in Rankin County. Once on the scene, Deputies immediately started investigating the death as a homicide and through their investigation, Dantrell Jerome Hunter was developed as a suspect. On June 28, 2021, Dantrell Jerome Hunter entered a plea of guilty for the crime of Second Degree Murder which carries a minimum of twenty years and a maximum of forty years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections and is not eligible for early release. Hunter was sentenced to forty years with ten years suspended.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “We would like to thank the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for their excellent work in the investigation and their tireless work to keep our community safe.”

Defendant:

Name: Dantrell Jerome Hunter

Date of Birth: 08/07/ 1993

Man Convicted After Incident that Resulted in Madison Police Officer being Drug by Speeding Car

Madison, MS – The Madison County District Attorney’s Office announced Tyrone Jerrell Staten, 21 of Jackson, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault of a Law-Enforcement Officer and Felony Evasion stemming from an April 2021 incident that resulted in a Madison police officer being drug by a speeding car. Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Staten to twenty-five years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with ten years suspended.

On April 20, 2021, Madison police officer Bryce McCarra spotted a car associated with a shoplifting incident from the previous day stopped at a red light at the corner of Bozeman and Highway 463. Officer McCarra pulled the vehicle over and saw the driver matched the suspect from video surveillance of the previous day’s shoplifting felony. He asked the driver to step out of the car, but Staten refused and proceeded to roll up his window. Officer McCarra reached into the window to try and unlock the door, but Staten continued to roll up the window and sped off. Officer McCarra’s hand remained trapped inside the vehicle. Staten increased speed and fled toward I-55, dragging Officer McCarra with him. As the car approached the I-55 Southbound ramp, Officer Staten broke free and rolled to a stop near Highway 463 and the I-55 southbound ramp.

Staten continued at a high-speed rate on I-55 South until officers in pursuit forced his car off the road around the 106-mile marker. Combative and still refusing to cooperate, Staten was forcibly removed from his vehicle. After a brief struggle, officers took Staten into custody. First, they took him to Merit Health for assessment. Shortly after, they booked him in the Madison County Detention Center for a felony of Fleeing Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest.

Officer McCarra was transported to UMC with minor injuries and later released.

Staten will serve his remaining fifteen years in the custody of MDOC and, when released, will be placed on probation.

We are thankful Officer McCarra didn’t suffer any serious injuries during this incident and was able to return home to his wife and children,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “Running from a law enforcement agent puts innocent lives at risk, and if you run, you can expect additional prison time.”

SHARE

Canton Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Trafficking Case

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Justin R. Williams of Canton pled guilty and was sentenced to eleven (11) years to serve in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for his part in a scheme to distribute over 380 pills containing fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance. The 11 years in custody will be spent day for day without the possibility of parole or early release.

“Our law enforcement in Madison and Rankin Counties should be commended for their tireless efforts in ridding our communities of this deadly drug,” said District Attorney Bramlett. “In this particular case, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department kept almost 400 potentially deadly pills off the streets and out of the hands of our young people.”

Counterfeit pain pills are causing significant overdose deaths in Mississippi. These pills often contain fentanyl, an opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine. While these pills look identical to medications such as hydrocodone, oxycodone or xanax, these counterfeit versions often contain fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is not to be experimented with…the first time may be the end,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “Fentanyl does not forgive—one pill can kill. Each time an individual takes a pill that did not come from their doctor or pharmacy, he or she is playing Russian Roulette, plain and simple.”

Without knowing the strength of an individual pill, fatal overdoses are common when dealing with counterfeit opioids. The amount of fentanyl required to make someone overdose is as little as a few grains of salt. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 80,000 people died of a drug overdose in the United States from June 2019 through May 2020. And over 70% of those deaths involved a synthetic opioid.

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “Please educate your teenagers and young adult children of the dangers of counterfeit pills. Overdose victims often are not prior drug abusers…some are simply offered the deadly pill at a party or other similar venue, and unfortunately, they do not survive.”

Defendant:

Name: Justin R. Williams

Date of Birth: 01/27/1995

Man Sentenced to Multiple Twenty Year Sentences for DUI Death of Betty Simmons

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett, Jr. announced today that Harrison Neal Little pled guilty to one count of Driving Under the Influence resulting in Death and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident resulting in Death in front of Judge Dewey Arthur. Judge Arthur sentenced Little to twenty (20) years for each count, with those sentences running concurrently.

On June 10, 2020, officers with the Madison Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of Highway 51 and Hoy Rd in the city of Madison. Ms. Betty Simmons was on her way to work at the Kroger on Highway 51 in Madison when she was rear-ended by Little. MPD determined that Little was both speeding and over the legal limit for alcohol at the time of the accident. Ms. Simmons passed away from her injuries sustained in the wreck.

At the sentencing hearing, Simmons’ family spoke of what a kind and caring mother and grandmother she was. Little apologized to the family and took complete responsibility for his actions.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This man made an awful and reckless decision to drive drunk. That decision took the life of an innocent woman trying to go to work and forever changed the lives of Ms. Simmons’s entire family. We are thankful for the Madison Police Department for their investigation. We continue to pray for Ms. Simmons’s family.”

Defendant:

Name: Harrison Neal Little

DOB: 04/09/1991

Man Sentenced to Thirty Years for Statutory Rape

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett, Jr., announced that on February 22, 2021, Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Willis Delano Murray to 30 years for statutory rape.

Murray, 54, will serve all 30 years of his sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. He must register as a sex offender and will have no contact with the victim.

On November 17, 2016, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a call from a homeowner regarding an unknown adult man found in her daughter’s bedroom. The man fled the scene. The man was identified as 50 year old Willis Delano Murray from Houston, Texas. It was later determined that Murray began an online relationship with a 13 year old child, he continued to communicate with her and drove to Mississippi to have sexual relations with her when she was 15 years old.

Murray was indicted for statutory rape in February 2017. However, he was not extradited from Texas until December 2019. The jury trial began on December 7, 2020. On December 8, 2020, the jury found Murray guilty of statutory rape.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Murray used the internet to start an inappropriate online relationship with a child and then drove across state lines to have sexual relations with her. Thanks to the Rankin County citizens who served on the jury in this case, Murray will have to pay for the crime he committed.”

Defendant:

Name: Willis Delano Murray

Date of Birth: 10/04/1966

Man Gets Two Life Sentences for Sexual Battery

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced that on February 22, 2021, Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Keith Lamar Reeder, 47, to concurrent life sentences on two separate sexual battery charges. He must also register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victims.

On May 16, 2020, Pearl Police Department received an emergency call from an individual seeking assistance because a man was in her home holding her and two children against their will. When Pearl Police officers arrived on the scene, they located Reeder hiding in the attic. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Reeder used a knife and forced his way into the home. He robbed and assaulted one of the occupants and physically and sexually assaulted the juveniles in the home.

All three victims were taken for medical treatment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Upon their release, the juveniles were interviewed by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. Reeder made a partial confession to the Pearl Police Department during his interview.

Reeder faced charges of burglary, kidnapping, child abuse, aggravated assault, armed robbery, statutory rape, gratification of lust and sexual battery as a result of his heinous actions inside the home in Pearl on May 16, 2020. He was indicted as a habitual offender, meaning he had two or more prior felony convictions. Rather than proceeding to trial on all charges, Reeder pled guilty to two counts of sexual battery. He will serve two life sentences concurrently without the possibility of parole.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I am thankful for the prompt response and hard work of the Pearl Police Department, the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, the Mississippi Crime Lab and the Safe Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Because of their efforts on this case, we were able to avoid having a trial where these victims would have to relive this terrible trauma on the witness stand. Keith Reeder will spend the rest of his life in prison for his actions, which is where he belongs.”

Defendant:

Name: Keith Lamar Reeder

Date of Birth: 02/17/1974

Madison County Man Receives Two Life Sentences Plus Thirty Years for Stabbing, Killing, and Burning Wife and Stepdaughter

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Walter Simpson, 47, was sentenced today by Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff after being convicted of the double murders of his wife and stepdaughter. A jury found Simpson guilty of two counts of First Degree Murder, one count of First Degree Arson, and one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon on October 29, 2020. Judge Ratcliff sentenced Simpson to life without parole for each of the murder convictions, twenty years for the first degree arson conviction, and ten years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On June 5, 2018, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to Crown Road located in the Camden area to a home belonging to Walter and Falonda Simpson as well as her daughter Davonda Washington. When they arrived on scene, they found two badly burned bodies inside the home. Each victim had suffered multiple stab wounds and were both deceased.

Authorities were able to determine that Simpson had stabbed his step-daughter and wife to death and then attempted to set their bodies and the house on fire. Simpson was found guilty after a three day jury trial. Family members of both victims testified during the sentencing hearing.

District Attorney Bramlett stated “We want to again tell the victims’ families that we are so sorry that this happened to their loved ones. We hope it brings them some closure to know that Mr. Simpson will never get out of prison as they continue to grieve their loved ones.”