Mississippi Ex-Officer Sentenced to 20 Years for Torturing Black Men

Former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy Hunter Elward was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the torture of two Black men, Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker, in January 2023. Elward and five other officers, known as "The Goon Squad," faced federal charges related to the incident, including discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy against rights, and obstruction of justice. The victims filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, and the officers pleaded guilty to a combined 13 felonies. The officers' actions were motivated by race, and the victims and their families are seeking the maximum sentences for all six officers. Additionally, several of the ex-officers have pleaded guilty to another disturbing case involving the assault of a person referred to as "A.S." in December 2022.