Former Mississippi Sheriff Seeks Reduction in Sentence for Racist Attack and Torture of Black Men

Former Mississippi Sheriff Brett McAlpin, one of the officers involved in the horrific racist attack and torture of two innocent Black men, is now seeking to have his sentence reduced. In April 2024, McAlpin was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison, the second-longest sentence among the six officers who pleaded guilty to the brutal assault on Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker.

The attack took place after McAlpin and his fellow “Goon Squad” members entered the victims’ home without a warrant, believing that Jenkins, who is Black, was living with a white woman. The officers proceeded to waterboard, tase, strip naked, and attempt to sexually assault the two men.

McAlpin’s attorney, Theodore Cooperstein, argued that his client’s sentence was “unreasonable” as McAlpin was merely waiting in a truck while the other officers carried out the assault. Cooperstein claimed that McAlpin did not order, initiate, or directly participate in the violent abuse of the victims.

The appeal filed by Cooperstein requests the court to overturn McAlpin’s sentence and impose a shorter one, stating that McAlpin was unfairly punished for the actions of his colleagues. The other five officers involved in the attack received sentences ranging from 15 to 45 years.

The disturbing nature of the case was further highlighted when text messages exchanged by the “Goon Squad” officers were made public, revealing conversations about using excessive force, tasing suspects inappropriately, and discussing taking nude photos of female suspects. The revelations have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability within law enforcement agencies.