First of ex-MS 'Goon Squad' officers sentenced over 2 tortured Black men. See for how long

Hunter Elward, a former Rankin County deputy, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in connection to the abuse and torture of two Black men.

Elward was sentenced Tuesday morning by U.S. District Judge Tom Lee, who pronounced a 241-month sentence. Lee is also set to sentence five other former law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty last year to subjecting Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker to multiple acts of racially motivated torture.

Before imposing the sentence, Lee called Elward’s crimes “egregious and despicable” and stated a sentence “at the top of the guidelines range is justified, more than justified.”

“It’s what the defendant deserves. It’s what the community and the defendant’s victims deserve,” Lee said to the courtroom.

On Jan. 24, 2023, six former "Goon Squad" officers burst into a home without a warrant, then handcuffed and used a stun gun on Jenkins and Parker.

Elward and five other officers were involved in the incident. The former Rankin County Sheriff's deputies were Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke. The sixth former police officer was Joshua Hartfield from the city of Richland.

Based on the Associated Press reporting, the court records state the officers assaulted the men with a sex object, beat them and used their stun guns repeatedly over a roughly 90-minute period. The episode culminated with one deputy placing a gun in Jenkins’ mouth and firing, which cut his tongue, broke his jaw and exited out of his neck.

The officers did not give him medical attention, instead discussing a “false cover story to cover up their misconduct,” as well as planting and tampering with evidence, the Associated Press reported.

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Malik Shabazz, an attorney representing both men, spoke at the Tuesday sentencing for the victims stating the emotional and physical toll of the abuse still weighs on them.

Following is part of Jenkins’ impact statement: “January 24, was the worst day of my life. I was brutally beaten and nearly killed by the Rankin County Sheriff's Department, also known as the Goon Squad. I never would have thought a night of hanging out with friends would nearly cost me my life. … I'm hurt. I'm broken. I'm ashamed and embarrassed by the entire situation. They tried to take my manhood for me. They did some unimaginable things to me and the effects of it will linger with me for the rest of my life.”

Following is part of Parker’s impact statement: “The very bad actions of the Rankin County Goon Squad severely impacted me and has left a scar on me that will last forever. I never knew the ones that were sworn to protect and serve me would be the ones that I needed protection from. I don't know if I will ever be able to sleep again at night. I'm in constant fear someone will break into my home and terrorize me. I fear that I will get attacked again or killed by the police in Rankin. … They should be given what they gave me and Michael Jenkins, no mercy.”

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Following the impact statements from the family of both the plaintiffs and the defense, Elward made his way to the podium with his lawyer to provide Lee with a statement before Elward's sentence was imposed.

Following is part of Elward's statement: “I fought hard with myself ever since that night. I know when most people get in trouble, they are only mad that they got caught. This would probably be a lot easier for me if I was mad that I got caught. I hate I was involved in this. I have to live every night with … things I’ve been through, things that I’ve seen and things that I’ve done. And because of what I did, I made you see something every night that you go to bed. And that’s on me. And I would like to say I’m so daggone sorry.”

Elward then turned around to face Jenkins and Parker who were sitting in at the end of the first pew and addressed them directly, “I see you every day and night. And I can’t go back and do what’s right. … I’m sorry. I truly am. I accept all responsibility and I apologize.”

Parker stood after Elward’s statement and said, “I forgive you.”