4th white Mississippi officer sentenced to 40 years after pleading guilty in torture of 2 Black men
Former Rankin County sheriff's deputy Christian Dedmon was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison during a court hearing in Jackson, Mississippi, for his involvement in two attacks, including the torture of two Black men, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Dedmon received the maximum sentence for orchestrating the January 2023 torture of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, along with another assault during a December 2022 traffic stop. Federal prosecutors noted Dedmon as the organizer of both assaults, making him the fourth of six defendants sentenced, with the harshest penalty yet.
During the sentencing, Dedmon expressed remorse, stating, "I'm sorry for what they went through, what they are going through. If I could take it all back, I promise I would."
Dedmon and five other white former law enforcement officers admitted guilt to 16 felonies related to racially motivated torture, sexual assault of Jenkins and Parker, and subsequent attempts to conceal their actions.
Attorney Malik Shabazz, representing the victims, hailed the sentencing as historic, signaling accountability for rogue police and "Goon Squads" across America.
Former deputy Daniel Opdyke was also sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison earlier that day, reflecting on his transformation into a "monster" during the incident. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing.
Attorney General Merrick Garland affirmed the Justice Department's commitment to hold accountable officers who violate constitutional rights. The defendants also face state charges concurrently.
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