DOJ opens civil rights investigation into Rankin County Sheriff’s Department after ‘Goon Squad’ assaults

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a comprehensive civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi. This investigation follows a series of alarming incidents involving deputies, particularly a group known as the “Goon Squad,” who were convicted for violently assaulting two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, in January 2023.

Background: A brutal assault

In a case that gained national attention, several deputies unlawfully entered a home and brutally attacked Jenkins and Parker. The men were handcuffed, beaten, sexually assaulted, and subjected to racial slurs. One victim was even forced to drink a toxic substance. The deputies involved have since been sentenced to federal prison, with terms ranging from 10 to 45 years for their involvement in the attack.

Scope of the DOJ’s investigation

While the deputies have been convicted, the DOJ’s civil investigation seeks to determine if these violent actions are part of a broader pattern of misconduct within the RCSD. Investigators will focus on whether the department routinely violates constitutional rights, examining areas such as:

• Excessive Force: The investigation will look at whether deputies use unnecessary or harmful tactics, including the improper use of tasers.
• Unlawful Stops and Searches: DOJ investigators will assess whether deputies are conducting stops, searches, and arrests that violate the Fourth Amendment.
• Racially Biased Policing: Claims of discrimination against Black residents will be reviewed under federal civil rights laws, including the 14th Amendment.

Community reaction and DOJ’s commitment

Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke have voiced a strong commitment to addressing these serious allegations. “The nation has now seen the horrific violence inflicted on two Black men by deputies who called themselves the ‘Goon Squad,’” said Garland. Clarke highlighted that the investigation extends beyond the Jenkins and Parker incident, with reports suggesting the sheriff’s department has a long history of abusive practices, including excessive taser use and unlawful home entries.

Importance of accountability

U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee, representing the Southern District of Mississippi, emphasized the significance of this investigation in holding law enforcement accountable. He noted that the conduct of some Rankin County deputies recalls dark periods in Mississippi’s history, underscoring the urgent need for reform and accountability.

What lies ahead

The DOJ’s investigation will thoroughly review the sheriff’s department’s policies, training, and accountability mechanisms under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Local officials have pledged full cooperation as the investigation moves forward.

This investigation comes at a time when issues of police misconduct and racial discrimination remain critical national concerns. The outcome could lead to significant reforms in the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and serve as a turning point for law enforcement practices in the region.

For ongoing coverage of this developing story, stay tuned to Black With No Chaser.