A federal court in Jackson, Mississippi, handed down prison terms to the last two former Rankin County Sheriff’s deputies who were awaiting sentencing for torturing two Black men in early 2023. The judge imposed a 27-year sentence on Brett Morris McAlpin and a 10-year term on Joshua Hartfield, reflecting the severity of the crimes. NBC News reported the sentences as part of a broader federal case in which prosecutors described the acts as a grave corruption of the duty to protect the public and a depravation that attacked the rights and safety of innocent people.
Earlier, the same judge had already sentenced other former deputies to lengthy terms: Christian Dedmon received 40 years, Hunter Elward 20 years, Jeffrey Middleton 17 and a half years, and Daniel Opdyke 17 and a half years. The court characterized those actions as atrocious and despicable crimes committed by individuals sworn to uphold the law.
All six former officers pleaded guilty in August 2023 to charges tied to the torture of two Black men who were subjected to a violent arrest, unlawful detention, and false accusations of serious crimes. One of the victims faced a pistol placed in his mouth by Elward, an act that left him with injuries to the mouth, throat, and neck, though he ultimately survived the ordeal.
The defendants were subjected to humiliating and dehumanizing treatment as part of the abuse. The men were forced to undress, bathing together, and consuming substances such as cooking oil, milk, or alcohol, while enduring racist insults and electric shocks. In interviews and subsequent testimony, the victims described fear and coercion used to extract information and to justify the harsh crackdown on their rights.
Following the abuse, the officers attempted to cover up their misconduct by staging a cover story that allegedly involved weapons and drugs. This deceptive narrative was used to charge the victims and shield the officers from accountability until one deputy admitted the truth and cooperation from others followed.
The team, self-named The Goon Squad for their ready willingness to deploy excessive force, had a pattern of aggressive behavior that raised concerns among colleagues and management long before these federal charges were pursued. The case underscores persistent concerns about policing practices, accountability within law enforcement, and the protection of civil rights for all residents, regardless of race.
The federal sentencing reflects a broader national conversation about the limits of authority, the consequences of abuse, and the imperative to safeguard those who are most vulnerable. Legal experts note that the long prison terms aim to convey a strong message about zero tolerance for violent misconduct by those entrusted with public safety. The court’s decisions also emphasize the necessity for ongoing oversight, training reforms, and independent review mechanisms to prevent similar harms in the future.
As communities in Mississippi and across the United States continue to seek accountability and restoration, the sentences serve as a reminder that abuse of power is met with serious legal consequences. Advocates for reform point to this case as an example of how federal intervention can address egregious violations that local systems may overlook or inadequately address. The impact on the victims remains a focal point for survivors, their families, and community leaders who advocate for transparency, justice, and measures to rebuild trust between residents and the institutions meant to protect them.
In the aftermath, officials have pledged to strengthen policies that require independent investigations of misconduct, clearer reporting protocols for abuse allegations, and stronger protections for those who come forward with information about police wrongdoing. While the road to full trust is long, the court’s rulings mark a turning point in acknowledging the harm done and the responsibility of law enforcement to operate with integrity and respect for the rights of every person.