Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety Sean Tindell and Attorney General issued the following statements.
Commissioner Sean Tindell
“The horrific acts committed by these six individuals are utterly disheartening. Their actions have placed a dark cloud on law enforcement everywhere. As stewards of the public trust, we have the responsibility of holding these individuals accountable and not just relying on our federal counterparts to handle the entirety of the investigation.
With the passage of Senate Bill 2543 in the 2022 legislative session, critical incidents like this are now investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, then prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office. This process will continue to foster a culture of accountability and help restore the public’s confidence in the justice system.
We will continue to do all we can to ensure the public that Mississippi is a safe place for all to live, work, and raise a family. We will hold bad actors accountable, and justice will be served,” said Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch
- Former Rankin County Sheriff Deputy Hunter Elward pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion, and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.
- Former Rankin County Sheriff Narcotics Investigator Christian Dedmon pleaded guilty to Home Invasion and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.
- Former Rankin County Sheriff Chief Investigator Brett McAlpinpleaded guilty to Obstruction of Justice/Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.
- Former Rankin County Sheriff Lieutenant Jeffrey Middleton pleaded guilty to Obstruction of Justice/Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.
- Former Rankin County Sheriff Deputy Daniel Opdyk pleaded guilty to Obstruction of Justice/Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.
- Former Richland Police Department Narcotics Investigator Joshua Hartfield pleaded guilty to Obstruction of Justice/Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution.