Mississippi

In Mississippi, Nobody Is Policing the Sheriffs

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2024

In Mississippi, Nobody Is Policing the Sheriffs

Sheriffs in Mississippi are elected by the people, but after that, who holds them accountable? While the state is responsible for looking into shootings and deaths if a sheriff or deputy is involved, allegations of brutality lobbed against their departments, including beatings, rape, and retaliation, commonly go nowhere, according to a joint investigation by the New York Times and and Mississippi Today. In fact, the sheriffs’ offices are under no obligation even to report the allegations to state authorities. (The piece is part of a series on the power of Mississippi sheriffs, one that previously revealed Rankin County’s “Goon Squad.”) Together they examined lawsuits against sheriff’s departments across the state that hit dead ends despite ample evidence, with most cases being settled out of court. The details of what people alleged were harrowing.

One woman claimed she was raped in her cell in 2016 by a deputy, while a man says he was choked and his head was slammed against the wall until he passed out. Former Maine attorney general James Tierney called the allegations “criminal” and “corrupt” after examining the suits, adding “this wasn’t one renegade cop or a renegade DA. There is a systemic problem here.” The Times notes that those tapped to investigate the crimes often have close ties to sheriffs’ offices, a relationship described as a “politically incestuous.” In one case, a man provided photos and medical records to chief investigator Brian Calico after claiming he was shackled and beaten by deputies under Sheriff Billy McGee, rendering him unconscious with broken ribs. Calico said he found no improper conduct. Less than a year later, he married McGee’s daughter. Read the full report. (And check out more Longform stories.)

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Mississippi

Forrest General Hospital raises flag for Mississippi Organ Recovery Association

Published

3 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Forrest General Hospital raises flag for Mississippi Organ Recovery Association

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – April 10 is Blue and Green Day, a day to honor the lives of those who have donated tissue, eyes and organs.

Medical professionals and the grieving family of Carter Bourque, an organ donor, gathered at Forrest General Hospital for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Association flag raising.

Kandise Courtney, Bourque’s mother, spoke today, saying her son Carter will always be remembered for donating life.

“I stand here not only to honor my son, but to remind others of the incredible power of giving life. I pray for families that are grieving like we are,” she said.

Courtney says that Carter’s story inspired others to become donors at a young age.

Forrest General Hospital’s development coordinator, Joel Stevens, became an organ donor at the age of 15.

He says that his decision was easy because he wanted to help save lives.

“I knew at 15 that I wanted to help people. If we have one donor, one organ donor can save up to eight lives through a life-saving transplant,” Stevens said. “Then if that person is also a tissue and eye donor, then they can save and help up to 75 lives through transplant.”

Members of MORA say there are many misconceptions surrounding organ donation.

“One of the biggest things I’ve heard is ‘Oh, if I’m an organ donor, they’re not going to save me,” said MORA family care specialist Anna McLaurin.

MORA says that hospitals are needed to save lives, and the donor’s health and well-being are a top priority throughout the process.

“With the opportunity to donate, if they do not save you, then we are unable to even offer the opportunity of donation, let alone save lives afterwards,” Organ recovery coordinator Camron Clark said.

Anybody who is looking to become a donor can register through the Department of Motor Vehicles when getting or renewing their license.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State football lands Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins

Published

15 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi State football lands Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football landed its first four-star in the 2027 recruiting class.

Ridgeland safety Trae’kerrion Collins committed to the Bulldogs on April 9.

“I am grateful to the entire coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career in Starkville,” Collins wrote on X. “I’m ready to work, compete, and represent the Bulldog family with pride.”

He picked MSU after decommitting from Ole Miss on Nov. 30. Collins holds numerous offers from power conference teams including Alabama, Georgia Tech, LSU and Michigan.

Collins is ranked No. 404 nationally, No. 12 in Mississippi and as the No. 12 safety, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Collins recorded 62 tackles in 2025 with five interceptions, two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. He also had four receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown, plus 11 carries for 111 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Ridgeland (11-2) lost to Warren Central in the MSHAA Class 6A semifinals.