The FBI announced Wednesday the indictment and arrest of 20 individuals—including several law enforcement officers—in a sweeping public corruption investigation centered on the Mississippi Delta region, with prominent arrests from Greenville and Washington County among those named by officials at the press conference.
Greenville and Washington County Arrestees
Among those indicted were Milton Gaston, the elected sheriff of Washington County, and Dexter Franklin, who was employed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the offenses. Greenville saw charges filed against both Martavius Moore, a police officer in Greenville, and Chaka Gaines with the Greenville Police Department, each implicated for their roles in aiding and abetting drug trafficking as part of the sting operation.
Scope of Investigation and Operation
FBI and Department of Justice officials revealed that most of the accused are current or former law enforcement officers, charged with accepting bribes to provide protection and safe passage for illegal narcotics across the Delta, and ultimately beyond into Memphis. The years-long investigation focused on officers from patrolman to chiefs and sheriffs, whose actions allegedly compromised public trust and facilitated criminal networks. The FBI stressed that indictments include charges for conspiracy, aiding in drug trafficking, and firearms offenses connected to the runs of alleged narcotics.
Broader Impact and FBI Response
FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and other officials emphasized the far-reaching implications of the case, stating that 14 officers and six co-conspirators "betrayed the trust that the public placed in them, disgraced the badge, and undermined the hard work of good law enforcement officers across the state". Officials referenced widespread concerns among Delta communities, where recent violent crimes have heightened scrutiny of local policing. The FBI and federal partners have pledged to fill any staffing gaps created by the arrests and continue efforts to restore community confidence.
Presumption of Innocence and Next Steps
Authorities reminded the public that all individuals named in indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Further investigative actions are planned, but officials declined to specify additional arrests or the exact timing of future steps.
Anyone with evidence or suspicion of corruption is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through its online tip portal.
Indicted Individuals and Their Charges
Below is the list of individuals named in the indictments and their related charges, as read from the FBI press conference transcript:
Brandon Addison (Hollandale Police Department, Humphreys County Sheriff's Office): Conspiracy to provide safe passage for illegal narcotics and proceeds; bribe-related offenses; firearms offenses.
Javery Howard (Metcalfe Police Department, later Hollandale): Same as above.
Milton Gaston (Sheriff, Washington County): Same as above.
Truron Grayson (Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office): Same as above.
Bruce Williams (Sheriff, Humphreys County): Same as above.
Sean Williams (Yazoo City Police Department): Same as above.
Dexture Franklin (Washington County Sheriff’s Office): Same as above.
Wendell Johnson (Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office): Same as above.
Marcus Nolan, Aasahn Roach, Jeremy Sallis, Torio Chaz Wiseman, Pierre Lakes, Derrik Wallace: Civilian or law enforcement co-conspirators charged with escorting drugs, conspiracy, and actions during narcotics runs including a trip to Memphis or Miami as detailed in the indictments.
Jamario Sanford (Greenwood Police Department): Conspiracy to aid the transport and distribution of illegal narcotics, bribes, firearm-related offenses involving the transport of what was believed to be 25 kilograms of cocaine.
Marvin Flowers (Sunflower County Sheriff’s Department): Same as above.
Martavis Moore (Greenville Police Department): Aiding and abetting the transport of what he believed was 25 kilograms of cocaine; firearms offense.
Marquivius Bankhead (Mississippi Highway Patrol): Same as above.
Chaka Gaines (Greenville Police Department): Attempting to aid and abet the transport of narcotics, tracking drugs through the Delta; related firearms offense.
Dequarian Smith (Humphreys County Sheriff’s Department, Isola Police Department): Conspiracy to aid and abet the possession, transport, and distribution of illegal narcotics.
Note: Charges against Amber Holmes and Taquanda Rucker were dismissed and they are no longer implicated in the case.
All listed offenses are allegations and must be proven in court; those indicted are presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
