Mississippi

20 people, including 14 officers, plead not guilty in Mississippi Delta drug scheme

Published

1 month ago

November 12, 2025

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20 people, including 14 officers, plead not guilty in Mississippi Delta drug scheme

Twenty people, including 14 current and former law enforcement officers, have pleaded not guilty to charges in a Mississippi drug trafficking scheme.
The accused, which include two Mississippi sheriffs, allegedly took bribes to provide armed escort for what they believed were cocaine shipments.
The yearslong investigation involved an undercover FBI agent posing as a member of a Mexican drug cartel.

Twenty people, including 14 current and former law enforcement officers, have each entered a plea of not guilty to charges in a drug trafficking scheme spanning across multiple counties in the Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi and Tennessee.

Two Mississippi sheriffs, Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams, were among those arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In addition to the two sheriffs, those charged include: Brandon Addison, Javery Howard, Truron Grayson, Sean Williams, Dexture Franklin, Wendell Johnson, Marcus Nolan, Aasahn Roach, Jeremy Sallis, Torio Chaz Wiseman, Pierre Lakes, Derrik Wallace, Marquivious Bankhead, Chaka Gaines, Martavis Moore, Jamario Sanford, Marvin Flowers and Dequarian Smith. All were charged with drug distribution.

Of the 20 individuals charged, 19 are accused of illegally carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

During this yearslong investigation, officers allegedly took bribes to allow or facilitate the transport of drugs. Some bribes were as large as $20,000 and $37,000. Federal authorities announced the indictments last week.

According to indictments, law enforcement officers provided armed escort services on multiple occasions to an FBI agent posing as a member of a Mexican drug cartel.

The indictments allege the officers understood they were helping to transport 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine through Mississippi Delta counties along U.S. Highway 61 and into Memphis. Some of the officers also provided escort services to protect the transportation of drug proceeds, according to the indictments.

Federal officials said the investigation began when people who had been arrested complained about having to pay bribes to various individuals.

“It’s just a monumental betrayal of public trust,” U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said at an Oct. 30 news conference.

Charges against two people — Amber Holmes and Tyquana Rucker — who were initially named in the indictments, were dropped/dismissed.

According to court records, all of those accused have waived their appearance for an arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty to all counts against them. Below is a list of those arrested and the number of counts each face as well as their employment locations at the time of the alleged crimes:

One lengthy indictment shows:

Brandon Addison — employed first with Hollandale Police Dept. and later with Humphreys Co. Sheriff’s Office, faces 10 counts
Javery Howard — employed first with Metcalf Police Dept. and later with Hollandale Police Dept., faces 12 counts
Milton Gaston — employed as Washington County Sheriff, faces 3 counts
Truron Grayson — employed with Humphreys Co. Sheriff’s Office, faces 8 counts
Bruce Williams — employed as the Humphreys County Sheriff, faces 3 counts
Sean Williams — employed with Yazoo City Police Dept., faces 8 counts
Dexture Franklin — employed with Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office, faces 8 counts
Wendell Johnson — employed with Bolivar Co. Sheriff’s Office, faces 6 counts
Marcus Nolan — faces 4 counts
Aasahn Roach — faces 4 counts
Jeremy Sallis — faces 4 counts
Torio Chaz Wiseman — faces 4 counts
Pierre Lakes — faces 2 counts
Derrik Wallace — faces 2 counts

Another indictment shows:

Jamario Sanford — employed with Greenwood Police Dept., faces 3 counts
Marvin Flowers — employed with the Sunflower Co. Sherriff’s Office, faces 3 counts

A scheduling order filed in court records state trials for both Sanford and Flowers are set for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15, 2025, in Greenville before District Judge Debra M. Brown.

A motion to continue the trial for Sanford was filed, but no order had been filed by a judge at the time of this publication.

Other indictments, filed separately from each other, show:

Martavis Moore — employed with Greenville Police Dept., faces two counts
- Moore faces two counts in connection with protecting the transport of illegal narcotics through Greenville. In exchange, he allegedly received $5,000 in bribe money.
- A scheduling order filed in court records state trial for Moore is set for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15, 2025, in Greenville before District Judge Debra M. Brown.
Marquavious Bankhead — employed with Mississippi Highway Patrol, faces one count
- Bankhead allegedly was hired by a former State Trooper, to ensure “the road was clear of MHP Interdiction Units” and others as cartel members were traveling through Greenwood and surrounding areas. He received a $5,000 bribe for his efforts.
- A scheduling order filed in court records state trial for Moore is set for 9:40 a.m. Dec. 15, 2025, in Oxford before Senior Judge Michael P. Mills.
Chaka Gaines — employed with Greenville Police Dept., faces two counts
- Gaines allegedly received $5,000 to protect FBI agents posing as cartel members when they passed through Greenville.
- A scheduling order filed in court records state trial for Gaines is set for 9:40 a.m. Dec. 15, 2025, in Oxford before Senior Judge Michael P. Mills.
Dequarian Smith — employed with Humphreys Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Isola Police Dept., faces one count
- Smith allegedly received a $500 to protect drug runners in LeFlore, Sunflower and Washington counties.
- A scheduling order filed in court records state trial for Smith is set for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22, 2025, in Greenville before District Judge Debra M. Brown.

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Published

2 hours ago

December 15, 2025

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Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Mississippi requires a permit to own certain exotic animals considered “inherently dangerous,” such as hippos, big cats and bears.
Permit applicants must be at least 21, have experience with the species and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per animal.
Annual permit costs vary by species, ranging from $75 for canids to $300 for animals like elephants and tigers.
It is illegal in Mississippi to keep wild native species, such as deer or raccoons, as pets.

If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, there are some hurdles to legal and responsible pet ownership in Mississippi.

There are plenty of exotic species, like birds, reptiles and rodents that are considered safe pets. They can be bought next to cat and dog supplies at pet stores and exotic animal shows.

But some people, only a hippopotamus will do. Baby hippos, like Fiona and Moo Deng, can make the species look cute and, well, manageable. (The same can be said of many species that can grow up to be a menace, like baby big cats.) And as much as the song pleads, a garage isn’t the best home for a hippo hero.

Mississippi has laws about owning pets that are considered inherently dangerous, like monkeys or wild dog species. If you’re planning to get an exotic animal as a pet, it helps to know which animals are on the list. If you want to give an unusual species as a Christmas gift, be sure the new owner can meet the criteria so they won’t end up in a tricky legal situation.

Colt Mooney, Exotic Species Program leader of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said animals on the list aren’t totally banned in a previous interview with the Clarion Ledger. But owners have to apply for a permit and meet several requirements.

And permitting isn’t a one-and-done process. There will be an annual follow up, and it could get expensive over the lifetime of the animal. That’s not even accounting for the costs of specialty veterinary care.

Here’s what to know about which dangerous animals you need a permit for in Mississippi, whether you can own a wild animal native to the Magnolia State and what the permitting process requires and costs.

Can I own an exotic pet in Mississippi?

Yes, but you have to have a permit for certain species, like big cats, bears and primates.

It’s illegal to sell, give, deliver, or transfer an animal on the state’s list of dangerous animals unless the recipient has a permit or is an exempt organization.

“It’s mostly due to their ability to inflict damage if something goes wrong,” Mooney said. “The potential is always there.

“They’re not pets. All it takes is one slip-up, one moment, to cause a life-threatening incident.”

What exotic animals do I need a permit for in Mississippi?

The state defines several animals as “inherently dangerous,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes and, yes, hippopotamuses.

If those sound like large pets, there are plenty of small primates and carnivores on the list too. (Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)

Carnivoras:

Wolves, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals
Jackals
Dingos
Red dogs
African hunting dogs
Bears (all species)
Wolverines
Hyenas (all species)
Lions
Tigers
Jaguars
Leopards
Cheetahs
Cougars (all sub-species)

Primates:

Gibbons
Orangutans
Chimpanzees
Siamangs
Gorillas
Macaques
Mandrils
Baboons

What do Mississippi exotic animal permits cover?

Each permit is good for one year, according to information from the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It’s only for the species specified, and a permit is needed for each animal.

At base level, applicants must:

Be at least 21 years old with no convictions involving wildlife offenses or cruelty to animals within the past 3 years
Have 2 years of experience with care and handling of the species or be able to pass a DWFP test on biology, diet, health care and habit needs
Have a plan to quickly and safely capture the animal if it escapes, including how to put it down or kill it if it can’t be caught

Personal permits don’t cover exhibiting the animal, like making money by showing it at a fair or appearing at parties. They must have a full-time caretaker on the grounds where the animal will be kept. Applicants must have a letter from a vet stating that all the owner’s pets are vaccinated and receive yearly care. Proof of liability insurance of $100,000 per animal and up to $1 million is also required.

If your own version of Cousin Eddie wants to start a petting zoo, don’t buy him animals. At least not until he has the permits.

Public zoos have multiple criteria to meet, including being the designated zoo of a town or city and being accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Zoos and exhibitors must hold a USDA Class “C” Exhibitor’s License. Exhibitors also have other extensive requirements.

Rehabbers and sanctuaries also have conditions. Like they can’t make a profit from exhibiting, breeding or selling the animals. They also must have 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status and meet state and federal permitting requirements.

How much do dangerous animal permits cost in Mississippi?

According to MDWFP, the personal permit cost depends on the type of animal:

Canids (wolves, jackals, etc.): $75
Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc.): $150
All species of bears: $200
Big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, etc.): $300
Wolverines: $300
Hyenas: $300
Elephants: $300
Rhinoceroses: $300
Hippopotamuses: $300
African buffalo: $300

Exhibitor fees range from $100 for up to 30 days or $300 for up to a year.

How do I apply to get a permit?

Email Colt.Mooney@wfp.ms.gov or call MDWFP at 601-432-2199.

Some organizations, like “public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit,” according to the commission. MDWFP or the commission would have to approve the exemption.

Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Missississippi?

There are several wild animals native to Mississippi, like deer, raccoons and opossums. The state does not allow people to keep wild native species as pets.

“They’re a public resource that’s held in trust by the state, or public, to enjoy,” Mooney said. “It’s the people of Mississippi’s animals.”

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

Published

14 hours ago

December 15, 2025

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Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 14, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

10-18-19-20-22

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 7-7-0, FB: 6

Evening: 1-8-0, FB: 1

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 0-4-0-4, FB: 6

Evening: 3-0-5-9, FB: 6

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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