Six Former Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Plead Guilty to Racist Assault of Two Black Men in “Goon Squad” Incident

Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers pleaded guilty in state court on Monday to charges related to torturing two Black men in a racist assault in January. The officers, who are all white, had nicknamed themselves the “Goon Squad” due to their willingness to use excessive force and cover up their maleficence.

On January 24, the officers forcefully entered a house without a warrant and handcuffed and assaulted the two men with stun guns, a sex toy and other objects. They mocked the men with racial slurs throughout a 90-minute torture session, then devised a cover-up that included planting drugs and a gun, leading to false charges.

The prosecutor recommended only five years of prison time Monday on the first charge and five on the second, with the sentences running concurrently, meaning they would be out after five years. The prosecutor also noted that the officers had shown remorse for their actions and had cooperated with the investigation.

The victims, Michael Corey Jenkins and his brother, have filed a civil lawsuit against the officers and the county. The lawsuit alleges that the officers violated the victims’ civil rights and that the county failed to properly train and supervise the officers.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for harsher sentences for the officers. The case has also highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight of law enforcement officers in Mississippi.