Mississippi 'Goon Squad' Officers Await Sentencing as Sheriff Introduces Reforms Amid Lawsuit

Community Calls for Sheriff's Resignation Despite Policy Changes Aimed at Preventing Future Abuses

Six former law enforcement officers, self-dubbed the 'Goon Squad', pleaded guilty to torturing two Black men, Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins, in a racially motivated assault in Rankin County, Mississippi.
The officers are awaiting sentencing, with recommendations ranging from five to 30 years.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, under whose watch the abuse occurred, has introduced new department policies including hiring an internal affairs investigator, requiring body cameras, and creating an online submission page for civilian complaints.
Victims' attorneys argue these changes are an attempt to avoid liability in a $400 million civil lawsuit and prevent a broader federal inquiry into the department's conduct.
Despite the reforms, local community members, led by the Rankin County NAACP President, are calling for Sheriff Bailey's resignation.