JACKSON, Miss. — A fourth former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy received a 40-year federal prison sentence on Wednesday for his involvement in the racist torture of two Black men by a group of white officers known as the “Goon Squad.” Christian Dedmon, 29, expressed regret during the sentencing but did not make eye contact with the victims. The case involved six former officers who pleaded guilty to subjecting Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker to acts of racist torture in January 2023.
According to prosecutors, Dedmon was accused of using a sex toy to assault the victims and even threatened to cause them further harm. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee described Dedmon’s actions as “shocking, brutal, and cruel,” stating that Dedmon had committed the most depraved acts among the attackers. Jenkins, one of the victims, was left with difficulties in speaking due to the injuries sustained during the torture. He expressed his dismay at Dedmon’s actions through a statement read by his lawyer.
Before Dedmon’s sentencing, another former officer, Daniel Opdyke, received a 17.5-year prison sentence. Opdyke expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the transformation he went through that led to the horrific events. Jenkins, who endured the brutal attack, described feeling “broken” and “ashamed” by the torture inflicted upon him. The judge noted that Opdyke may not have fully understood the extent of the violence he was participating in but emphasized his active involvement in the brutal assault.
The investigation into the case revealed a pattern of violence by some of the former deputies against Black men, with incidents resulting in deaths and severe injuries since 2019. The assaults led to charges being brought against the officers, who initially denied involvement until pleading guilty last year. The sentencing of the former officers, including Dedmon and Opdyke, shed light on the disturbing culture of misconduct within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office.
The torture inflicted on the victims involved racial slurs, stun guns, and other cruel acts, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars. The victims endured humiliation and dehumanization at the hands of the former officers, who later attempted to cover up the crimes through false charges and planted evidence. The actions of the “Goon Squad” revealed a deeply entrenched culture of racism and abuse within the law enforcement agency.
Despite the guilty pleas and convictions, questions remain about the leadership and accountability within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. Victims like Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker continue to seek justice and demand accountability for the heinous acts committed against them. The case serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues of racism and brutality that persist in law enforcement agencies across the country, calling for urgent reforms and accountability at all levels.