Arrests in Drug Trafficking Scheme Involving Law Enforcement
Alongside the Mississippi Delta, authorities have apprehended two sheriffs and various police officers for their involvement in drug trafficking activities in Memphis and, in at least two cases, Miami.
According to U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner, reported by WAPT, a total of 20 individuals face charges for accepting bribes and aiding drug trafficking. BBC noted that this group includes 14 current and former law enforcement officials.
Joyner mentioned, “Law enforcement officers and their accomplices facilitated safe transit for drug shipments on Delta Airlines in exchange for bribes. In a couple of cases, drugs were sent to Memphis and Miami.”
WAPT confirmed the names of those charged, which include:
- Brandon Addison, formerly with the Hollandale Police Department and Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office.
- Javeri Howard, previously associated with the Metcalf and Hollandale Police Departments.
- Milton Gaston, Sheriff of Washington County.
- Trulon Grayson, also from the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office.
- Bruce Williams, Sheriff of Humphreys County.
- Sean Williams, who served with the Yazoo City Police Department.
- Dexture Franklin, from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
- Wendell Johnson, previously with the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office.
Mississippi Today explained that some of these officials allegedly took bribes to protect undercover FBI agents masquerading as members of Mexican drug cartels.
Out of the 20 individuals indicted, 19 were charged with “possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.”
