Summary
Federal authorities announced charges against 20 people, including 14 current or former Mississippi law enforcement officers, for taking bribes from people they thought were drug traffickers. These officers allegedly provided protection for the transportation of drugs and money across Mississippi and Tennessee. Two sheriffs are accused of accepting bribes and disguising payments as campaign contributions.
Key Facts
- 20 people have been charged, including 14 law enforcement officers.
- The charges involve a scheme to protect drug traffickers in exchange for bribes.
- Two Mississippi sheriffs, Milton Gaston and Bruce Williams, were arrested.
- Bribes went up to $37,000, according to officials.
- An FBI agent posed as a drug cartel member to gather evidence.
- The officers allegedly helped move 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of cocaine.
- Sheriff Gaston reportedly tried to disguise bribe payments as donations.
- Similar incidents of misconduct by Mississippi law enforcement have occurred in recent years.
