Greenville Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun Crimes
A Greenville man was sentenced yesterday to more than eight years in prison for firearms related crimes.
According to court documents, Marco Dewayne Hemphill, 39, previously plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, all arising out of a traffic stop in Greenville in August 2021.
Hemphill was sentenced on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra Brown to serve 100 months in prison, including 40 months for possessing a gun as a convicted felon and 60 months for possessing a gun during a drug trafficking crime. In addition, Hemphill will serve a three-year term of supervision upon his release from prison. Hemphill was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following his sentencing hearing.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Auto burglary suspect arrested
On December 27, 2022, the Greenville Police Department dispatched a call to the 500blk of Dr. King North in reference to stolen property. When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with the victim who stated that an unknown person went into his 18-wheeler and took car keys and a paycheck, then fled the scene. Video surveillance from this location shows the suspect to be identified as 18yr old Bryce Lee of Indianola. An arrest warrant was issued for Lee on the charge of Auto Burglary. Lee was taken into custody on the warrant on January 19th by officers with the U.S. Marshals Service, Greenville Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Washington County Sheriffs Department.
Lee is also wanted out of Sunflower County for a Murder warrant from the Town of Moorhead. He is currently being held in the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility awaiting his initial appearance.
Domestic Aggravated Kidnapping charges
On January 16th, officers with GPD were dispatched to the 500blk of North Solomon in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon officers arrival, they made contact with 28yr old black female victim who advised that Emmanuel Lafayette got mad and assaulted her. During the assault, the victim was held against her will and keys were taken to prevent her from leaving. Officers were able to obtain a warrant for Lafayette on the charges of Kidnapping and Domestic Aggravated Assault. Lafayette was taken into custody on January 20th without incident. He is currently being held in the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility awaiting his initial appearance.
Felony shoplifting arrest
On January 19, 2023, GPD responded to the 1600 block of Dr. King South (Belks) in reference to a possible embezzlement. After officers made contact with Loss Prevention personnel, it was discovered that Myeshia Price-Weaver had made several illegal transactions which caused the store a $3,938.94 loss over the past two months. Weaver was arrested and charged with Felony Shoplifting, and transported to the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility.
Arrests made in Walker Street shooting
The Greenville Police Department has made two arrests in the January 12th shooting of a 14yr old juvenile on Walker Street. Police have charged 21yr old Rodney Barney and 20yr old Tazarius Williams with several felony charges, including Gang Activity. On Thursday, January 12th, a Greenville Police Officer was patrolling the area of East Walker and McAllister Streets when the officer observed several shots coming from a white vehicle. The Greenville police officer attempted a traffic stop with the suspected vehicle, which refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle came to a stop in the 600blk of Cately Street, and both driver and passenger began to flee on foot. Barney, was captured in the area and transported to the Greenville Police Department to be booked in. Williams later turned himself in. Both Barney and Williams have been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Felony Fleeing and Gang Activity. Both are being held in the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility awaiting their initial appearance.
All arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
