45-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust of a 15-Year-Old

Rankin County – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Steven Joseph Tatum, 45, pled guilty to Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust of a 15-year-old girl. 

The Honorable Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Tatum to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Sexual Battery, with fifteen (15) of those years to be served day for day without the possibility of parole or early release. The Honorable Judge Arthur further sentenced Tatum to fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Gratification of Lust. These sentences will run concurrently. Upon his release, Tatum will be placed on supervised probation for an additional 5 years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. 

On April 15, 2024, the victim’s parents learned that Tatum had sexually abused their daughter. Upon reporting this to the Pearl Police Department, the Pearl Police Department began an extensive investigation, which included obtaining search warrants for digital evidence and a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. Not only did the investigation reveal that Tatum sexually abused the child, but it also uncovered Tatum’s manipulation of the child through electronic communication. 

“We stand with the Pearl Police Department in the fight to protect our children and hold their abusers accountable,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We appreciate their diligent efforts as well as the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center who helped us bring this child predator to justice.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Steven Joseph Tatum 

Date of Birth: 5/1/1979 

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FENTANYL DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO SIXTEEN YEARS

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Blayne Timothee Jones (30) of Jackson, MS, was sentenced by Judge Steve S. Ratcliff to serve sixteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Trafficking in Fentanyl. Jones must serve all 16 years, day for day, without the possibility of parole or early release. 

On October 26, 2023, a Madison County Sheriff’s Officer stopped a vehicle driven by Jones. Jones informed the officer that he was on probation and his driver’s license had been suspended. The officer also noted an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A quick probable cause search of the car found a small amount of marijuana. Jones and his passenger were transported to the Madison Police Department, where officers found M30 Fentanyl pills on Jones. 

“We hope this is the end to Jones’ criminal behavior and that this sentence will discourage others from choosing to make money by trafficking illegal drugs in and through our county, state, and country,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We appreciate the hard work of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Madison Police Department officers for removing Jones and more of these deadly Fentanyl pills off our streets.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Blayne Timothee Jones 

DOB: 10/11/1994 

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27-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a Child

Rankin County – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Dejuan Shaikel Wells, 27, of Pearl, pled guilty to Statutory Rape and Gratification of Lust of a child. The Honorable Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Wells to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Statutory Rape and fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Gratification of Lust of a Child. These sentences will run concurrently. Wells will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Wells must register as a sex offender. 

On June 2, 2023, the child’s mother discovered the abuse and immediately reported it to the Pearl Police Department. The Pearl Police Department sprang into action and conducted an in-depth investigation, which included a forensic interview of the child by the Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. During the interview, the child disclosed details of the abuse. 

“Our office will continue to fight to bring all child predators to justice,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “Because of the brave reporting of the victim and family, as well as the extensive work of the Pearl Police Department and Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, this child predator is behind bars where he belongs,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. 

Defendant:

Name: WELLS, DAJUAN SHAIKEL

Date of Birth: 12/20/1997

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BRANDON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE MURDER AND LSD TRAFFICKING

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Tyler Franklin Gorrell, 36, of Brandon, Mississippi, pled guilty to second-degree murder and trafficking in a controlled substance. Gorrell will serve thirty (30) years in prison, day for day, with no possibility of early release. 

On January 27, 2024, the Brandon Police Department received a call from Gorrell that there had been an accident and his wife, Carri Gorrell, was deceased. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Gorrell was responsible for his wife’s death. Additionally, the Brandon Police Department discovered that Gorrell was on drugs at the time, and they removed multiple drugs from the home, including a large amount of lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD. 

“Gorrell engaged in illegal drug use and then took the life of someone whom he vowed to love and protect,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “This unacceptable action highlights the grave dangers of drug use and its impact on decision-making. But we are thankful that the thorough investigation by the Brandon Police Department helped ensure that another selfish criminal ended up behind bars where he belongs.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Tyler Franklin Gorrell 

Date of Birth: 08/11/1988 

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Woman Pleads Guilty to DUI Death for Wrong Way Wreck that Killed Local Teacher

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Jordan Leah Sullivan, 33, of Louisville Mississippi pled guilty to one count Aggravated DUI in Madison County Circuit Court. She faces up to twenty five years in prison and will be sentenced by Judge Dewey Arthur on February 10, 2025. She was taken into custody awaiting sentencing. 

On June 24, 2024 Gluckstadt Police Department responded to a car wreck on I-55 North. On scene, they discovered that Sullivan had been driving the wrong way on the interstate and hit another car head on. Tyra Small-Jackson was the driver of the vehicle that was hit and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Her father and infant child were also in the car but did not suffer any injuries. Officers immediately suspected Sullivan of DUI and located multiple bottles of Fireball whiskey inside the vehicle and smelled alcohol on her. Her blood alcohol content was .241. Multiple witnesses reported her driving the wrong way on the interstate before she struck Jackson’s vehicle. Officers located the liquor store and obtained a copy of the receipt where she had purchased twenty airplane bottles that morning and also discovered text messages where she admitted to drinking prior to the accident. 

Jackson was a Canton native and a veteran teacher. She had been named the 23-24 Nichols Middle School Teach of the Year. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Our hearts go out to the family of Mrs. Small-Jackson. There is no amount of time the defendant can serve that will bring back this innocent woman who was a beloved daughter, mother, and sister. We can only hope that this guilty plea will provide some small amount of comfort and closure as they continue to grieve. Driving drunk is the height of irresponsibility and selfishness and Mrs. Sullivan deserves every day she is sentenced to serve in prison for her actions.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Jordan Leah Sullivan 

DOB: 09/10/1991 

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Jackson Man Sentenced for Northbay Drive-by Shooting

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Roman Cortez Hines, 38, of Ridgeland, Mississippi pled guilty to the crime of drive-by shooting in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve a term of fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

On July 11, 2024 Madison Police Department responded to a call in the Northbay subdivision. On scene, officers located one .223 caliber shell casing . Surveillance footage from the victim’s home showed a man on a motorcycle drive past the home and fire multiple times at the house. Officers were able to isolate a picture of the distinctive jacket the man was wearing. They then tracked the jacket to a manufacturer in Canada who was able to provide a purchase list of everyone in Mississippi who had purchased from the store. The Defendant was one of only 22 customers from Mississippi, and records showed he had purchased the particular jacket seen on the surveillance tapes. Investigators also determined he owned a motorcycle matching the one seen in surveillance tapes. Registration records showed Hines also owned a black van that can be seen on both surveillance tapes and license plate readers driving in the area of the victim’s home on multiple occasions.

Law enforcement then performed a search on Hines’s home and located the jacket and the motorcycle. Hines was found to be in possession of a rifle that the Mississippi Crime Lab determined was consistent with the .223 shell casing found on scene. Investigators also obtained the Defendant’s cell phone which showed him searching for the male resident of the house in question and making notes regarding the address.

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “This is a case that was solved by the hard work and dedication of the Madison Police Department. To identify a suspect through an article of clothing that was manufactured in another country and then use that lead to build a solid case resulting in a guilty plea is what makes the city of Madison one of the safest towns in this state. We hope this guilty plea and sentence will bring back that sense of safety to the victims and the other residents of Northbay. Let this also be a lesson to potential criminals – gun violence is never the answer, and my office will seek prison for those who shoot weapons in our counties.”

Defendant:

Name: Roman Cortez Hines

DOB: 04/19/1986

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Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years Without Parole for Gun Trafficking

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Kyler Seamster, 29, of Sumner Mississippi pled guilty to one count of trafficking in stolen firearms and was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Seamster is a non-violent habitual offender which requires him to serve the fifteen years day for day without the possibility of parole. Under Mississippi law, trafficking in stolen firearms consist of being in possession of two or more firearms knowing that they are stolen. 

On April 13, 2024 Gluckstadt Police Departments stopped a car for improper equipment. During the traffic stop, officers discovered that the car was also the suspect vehicle in several recent auto burglaries in the Bear Creek subdivision. Seamster was the driver and only occupant of the car. Officers saw marijuana roaches in the ashtray and smelled marijuana coming from Seamster and the car. Officers searched the vehicle and found three firearms that had all been stolen from various auto burglaries in the previous two weeks. Officers also found the clothing and a backpack that could be seen on neighborhood surveillance tapes. Seamster had previously been convicted of house burglary and grand larceny which made him a habitual offender and ineligible for parole. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I urge the public to not leave valuables, especially firearms, in your vehicles. Guns have become the number one target for thieves. Suspects will go from driveway to driveway breaking into multiple cars in a short period of time. And they are only looking for one thing: guns. These guns are then sold on the black market, used in violent crimes, or traded for other illegal substances. We are grateful for the Gluckstadt PD for recognizing this suspect quickly and not only apprehending a career criminal but also recovering the stolen guns and keeping them out of the wrong hands.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Kyler Seamster 

DOB: 11/23/1995 

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Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Dragging Woman While Stealing Her Car

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Edward Carroll Walker, 58, pled guilty to aggravated assault in Madison County Circuit Court and was sentenced to serve the maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. 

At 7 a.m. on April 4, 2023 law enforcement officers with the Ridgeland Police Department were dispatched to the Chevron on E. County Line Road in reference to a car being stolen. Once on scene, they met with the victim who stated she had stopped at the gas station to get a cup of coffee on her way to work. She left her car running while she ran inside and when she returned, she found the Defendant getting in her car. She attempted to stop him by opening the driver’s side door and trying to get him out, but he drove off with her still holding onto the door. He drug the victim through the parking lot before she was able to let go as he entered onto County Line. She suffered injuries as a result of the incident. 

Officers soon located the stolen car at the Red Roof Inn. They spotted an individual matching the description provided by the victim looking out one of the motel windows in front of where the stolen vehicle was parked. Officers were able to quickly apprehend Walker who was in possession of the victim’s credit card. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Mr. Walker made a series of terrible decisions the morning of April 4, 2023. He entered into a vehicle he knew wasn’t his, he stole the car and the contents inside the car, but the worse decision he made was dragging the innocent female as she tried to stop him from taking her property. I want to commend the Ridgeland Police Department for acting quickly and apprehending the suspect before he was able to use the victim’s credit card or cause damage to her car. Hopefully, after he serves this twenty year sentence, he will think twice before coming to Madison County and so recklessly committing crimes or injuring our citizens.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Edward Carroll Walker 

DOB: 08/13/1966 

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Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Secretly Filming Underage Girls at Local Parks

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Satoshi Maehata, 27, pled guilty to two counts of filming a child under the age 16 without permission where there was an expectation of privacy. He was sentenced to ten years to serve on each count, with those terms to be served consecutive to one another for a total of twenty years in prison. He will also have to register as a sex offender when he is released. 

Madison and Ridgeland Police Departments received several complaints involving a man at Liberty Park and the Renaissance offering snacks to young girls in exchange for hugs. Investigators with MPD began doing surveillance at Liberty Park and located the individual matching the suspect’s description. The suspect gave consent to search his car where agents found a small camera disguised as a pen along with various candy and snacks. 

Investigators interviewed Maehata and he admitted to having inappropriate videos that he took of underage girls on his computer. Officers performed a forensic examination of the computer and located multiple clips that appeared to show footage of females taken from under their skirts at both Liberty Park and Renaissance. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “The facts of this case are vile and unacceptable. Our daughters should not have to worry about someone filming under their skirts while they are at the local park or standing in line to get a smoothie. Unfortunately, we must teach our children to always be vigilant of what is happening around them and to always report suspicious behavior. I want to thank the MPD and RPD investigators for their dedication to solving this case and ensuring this man will not be able to violate women in our community for a long time.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Satoshi Robert Maehata 

DOB: 11/18/1997 

FLORENCE MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS AS A HABITUAL OFFENDER

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Michael Hopkins, 46, of Florence, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit grand larceny. Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Hopkins to the mandatory maximum sentence of five years as a habitual offender in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Due to his extensive criminal record, Hopkins, as a habitual offender, will not be eligible for early release or parole. 

On December 19, 2023, a Pearl business owner reported to the Pearl Police Department that a dirt bike had been stolen from the business’s premises. Pearl police reviewed surveillance videos, employed other investigative techniques, and ultimately determined that James Michael Hopkins was involved. Using his truck, Hopkins scoped out the business, spotted the dirt bike, and then sent several others – including minors – back to carry out his plan and steal the dirt bike. 

“This case illustrates one person’s criminal lifestyle can negatively affect those around him,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “A habitual offender concocted a plan to steal and then sent kids back to do his dirty work. We are thankful for the efforts of the Pearl Police Department, jurors, and the judicial system for holding Hopkins accountable for his criminal act and his negative influence on the lives of others.” 

Defendant: 

Name: James Michael Hopkins 

Date of Birth: 2/15/1978 

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DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO THIRTY YEARS

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Charles Ira Johnson of Olive Branch, MS, was sentenced by Judge Dewey K. Arthur to thirty years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with fifteen of those years to be served day-for-day, without the possibility of parole or early release. 

On June 14, 2023, Flowood Police stopped a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Johnson. Officers immediately noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A quick probable cause search of the vehicle found a small amount of marijuana, as well as 4.5 kilos of methamphetamine in a cardboard box on the front passenger seat. The officers immediately arrested Johnson for aggravated trafficking of a controlled substance, a felony foreign warrant, and other misdemeanor charges. 

“We hope this is the end of Johnson's criminal behavior and that this sentence will discourage others from choosing to make easy money by trafficking illegal drugs in and through our county, state, and country,” stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. “We would like to thank the Flowood Police Department officers and agents from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics for their assistance in removing Johnson and more drugs from our streets.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Charles Ira Johnson 

Date of Birth: 12/16/1978 

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY WARNS OF JURY DUTY SCAM

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett warns local citizens of an ongoing telephone scam that seems to be happening more frequently lately. Fraudulent callers inform the victims that they are with their local police, sheriff's department, district attorney's office, or the county courts. The caller tells them they missed a jury duty summons and, therefore, could be found in contempt of court. The caller may even claim a warrant was used for their arrest. 

The caller then instructs the victim to send money to avoid arrest. The victim is asked to provide their bank account information or send money via cash app, PayPal, Venmo, or a wire transfer. In other cases, the scammer may trick the victim into providing more sensitive personal information like their date of birth, Social Security number, or credit or debit card numbers. 

"Please be aware that even though these calls appear to be from a local police or sheriff department phone number, a law officer or judge will never demand payment from a public member, nor would an officer come to collect money from you," stated Bramlett. "These scammers are using real names, and it appears they have all your correct information, but please don't fall victim." 

Courts almost exclusively contact individuals about jury duty or missed jury duty by postal mail. NOT by phone or email. In addition, actual court-related phone calls are only made during regular business hours. So please do not fall victim to this phone call or any other scam in which someone you do not know asks for personal information or banking information. 

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32-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years for Sexual Battery of a Child

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Lavarias Sherod Chaffee, 32, of Pearl, Mississippi, pled guilty to sexual battery of a child under the age of fourteen. 

Chaffee was sentenced to serve thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for sexual battery of a minor. Chafee will serve twenty-five years in prison and, upon release, will have five years of supervised probation, must register as a sex offender, will have no contact with the victim, and will have no unsupervised contact with any child under the age of eighteen. 

On November 15, 2023, the Pearl Police Department received a complaint from the victim’s parents. They reported their child was communicating with a male in his 30s on social media. During the investigation, the Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center interviewed the child and discovered that the defendant drove to the child's neighborhood in a work truck. Chaffee had the minor come out to meet him and had the child perform sexual acts on him in the truck. The victim and other juveniles disclosed that Chaffee requested inappropriate images from them. Chaffee had a multicount Indictment for the sexual acts involving the victim and the inappropriate images. 

"Online predators must be stopped,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “Our office does not tolerate children being violated by adults, and we will continue to fight to bring all child predators to justice. We appreciate the Pearl Police Department for their diligent work in protecting our children from these monster pedophiles." 

Defendant: 

Name: Lavarias Sherod Chaffee 

Date of Birth: 01/16/1992 

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Man Convicted of Second Degree Murder for Killing Wife

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Myles Flint Johnson, 53, was found guilty of second degree murder after a three day jury trial in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to serve the maximum sentence of forty years, day for day, in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, without the possibility of parole by Circuit Judge Dewey Arthur. 

On January 30, 2024 law enforcement officers with the Canton Police Department were dispatched to E. Fulton Street after Myles Johnson called 911 stating his wife had been shot. When they arrived on scene, they discovered Kristi Johnson deceased in the couple’s bed. The Defendant originally told police she had shot herself, but through the investigation it was discovered that she had been shot in the back. 

Officers were able to determine that the Defendant had shot and killed Mrs. Johnson on Sunday evening. He did not call 911 until Tuesday morning. Officers learned that there had been a long history of domestic violence going back over a decade. During trial, the Defendant testified in his defense and claimed he accidentally shot her after they had a fight. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before coming back with a guilty verdict to second degree murder. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This couple showed all of the classic signs of the cycle of violence where the victim returned to the abuser many times and the abuse escalated. We hope the guilty verdict in this case provides both closure to the victim’s family, but also acts as a warning to individuals in a violent domestic situation. Please find a way to get out before it is too late. Your abuser will not change, and the abuse will not stop. Finally, I want to again, as always, thank the voters in Madison and Rankin Counties that consistently show up for jury duty when summoned. Without jurors, this criminal justice system in this District could not function in the effective and efficient manner in which it does.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Myles Flint Johnson 

DOB: 10/20/1971 

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54-Year-Old Brandon Man Found Guilty of Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that a jury found Franky Lee Lovern, Sr., 54, of Brandon, guilty of Sexual Battery and Gratification of Lust. The Honorable Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Lovern to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the Sexual Battery of a child and fifteen (15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the Gratification of Lust of a child. These are the maximum sentences for each crime and will run concurrently. Lovern will serve his sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Lovern must register as a sex offender. 

On January 31, 2024, an adult male reported to the Rankin County Sheriff's Department that Lovern had sexually abused him multiple times when he was a teenager. The Rankin County Sheriff's Department launched a comprehensive investigation, which included obtaining search warrants for digital evidence. 

As the Rankin County Sheriff's deputy was taking Lovern into custody, Lovern assaulted the deputy and attempted to escape and take control of the officer's firearm. The deputy and other Rankin County Sheriff's deputies sprang into action and restrained Lovern. Lovern now faces new charges of Attempted Escape, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Disobeying a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest. 

"A child was violated by an adult they trusted, and that is something our office will never tolerate," stated District Attorney Bubba Bramlett. "We will always fight for justice and a safer community and are appreciative of the Rankin County Sheriff's Department for their diligent work in protecting our citizens from sexual violence." 

Defendant: 

Name: Franky Lee Lovern 

Date of Birth: 06/13/1970 

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27-Year-Old Vicksburg Convicted Felon Sentenced for Armed Robbery in Rankin County

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that De’Anthony Ra Shad Smith, a twenty-seven-year-old resident of Vicksburg, MS, has been convicted and sentenced following his guilty plea to Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Smith had been previously convicted in October of 2018 in Dallas County, Texas, for Aggravated Robbery. 

Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Smith to forty-five (45) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for the Armed Robbery; five (5) year sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and ten (10) year sentence for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. 

On September 8, 2023, Rankin County Sheriff Deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at Dollar General on Highway 469 South in Florence, MS. A store clerk and customer reported a lone masked individual entered the store, displayed a firearm, threatened them, and demanded money. The surveillance video showed Smith entering the store's front door, grabbing and pocketing several handfuls of cash before departing through the front door. Another witness provided law enforcement with the tag number of a suspicious vehicle parked in a nearby driveway. A be on the lookout (BOLO) was issued for the vehicle, which led to Clinton Police officers locating and stopping the car on I-20. Smith had the gun and some of the money stolen from Dollar General. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett commended the hard work and cooperation of the Rankin County Sheriff's Department and Clinton Police Department and the alert citizen who reported the suspicious car. "We are grateful that the various departments and community were able to quickly and effectively capture this armed robber. Armed robberies and other crimes perpetrated with the use of a gun will not be tolerated in Madison and Rankin Counties.” 

Defendant: 

Name: De’Anthony Ra Shad Smith 

Date of Birth: 7/14/1997 

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Canton Man Sentenced for Stabbing Gas Station Owner

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Moses Gordon, 46, pled guilty to aggravated assault in Madison County Circuit Court.  He was sentenced to serve twenty years which is the maximum allowed by law.

On February 19, 2024, law enforcement officers with the Canton Police Department were dispatched to the Quick and Easy gas station located on Liberty Street in Canton. On scene, they discovered the gas station’s owner, Balwinder Singh, had been stabbed.  The victim told officers that the Defendant had previously stolen beer from the store.  Gordon had once again come into the gas station, and Singh asked him to leave.  Gordon  began threatening Singh, and Singh told him to leave.  When Singh followed Gordon into the parking lot, Gordon pulled out a knife and stabbed Singh in the face. 

Officers quickly canvased the area and located Gordon trying to hide by entering a truck in order to avoid detection.  They detained him and found the bloody knife still in Gordon’s pocket.

Gordon also pled guilty to an unrelated charge of possession of methamphetamine.  On November 23, 2022, Gordon was involved in an accident on Highway 51.  When Madison County Sheriff Deputies arrived at the scene of the accident, Gordon had several misdemeanor warrants out for his arrest. During the pat down while being taken into custody, deputies found 10.62 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket. He was sentenced to serve the maximum sentence of twenty years in that case as well. 

Defendant:

Name:  Moses Gordon

DOB:  10/26/1977

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Canton Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Gratification of Lust of a Minor

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Eugene Wilson, 62, pled guilty to one count of gratification of lust of a minor in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the maximum penalty allowed by law. That time will be served day for day without the possibility of parole. He will be required to register as a sex offender after his release. 

On January 3, 2024, law enforcement officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office were notified by the victim’s family that Wilson had been sexually abusing her for years. The victim had audio recorded an interaction on May 20, 2023 where Wilson attempted to sexually assault her while she was visiting at his house with her family, but she was able to escape his advances when another relative entered the room. In the recording you can hear the defendant ask the victim, then 14 years of age, for sex and you can hear his belt buckle unlatch. 

Through the course of the investigation the victim was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center where she disclosed that the abuse began in January 2022 and continued through December 23, 2023. The victim disclosed multiple incidents of inappropriate sexual contact over an almost two year period beginning when she was 12 years of age. The victim was a family member, and he was able to perpetrate the abuse during times when he was alone with her. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “These types of acts, when pedophiles prey on children, are some of the worst types of abuse. We are so thankful for the quick thinking of this child who was able to audio record an essential piece of evidence in this prosecution. We hope that she can begin the long road to healing now that her abuser will spend the next fifteen years of his life in prison.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Eugene Wilson 

DOB: 06/13/1962 

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Pearl Man Sentenced for Aggravated Domestic Violence

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Matthew Dillon Tate, 27, of Pearl, pled guilty to Aggravated Domestic Violence. Tate was sentenced to serve twenty (20) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with ten (10) years suspended. Following his release, he will have five (5) years of supervised probation by the MDOC and has been ordered to have no contact with the victim. 

On February 5, 2024, the Pearl Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence shared by Tate and the victim. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim and observed significant injuries, prompting the involvement of paramedics. The victim was then transported to a hospital for treatment. Following a thorough investigation, Tate was arrested for Aggravated Domestic Violence. 

“Our office takes domestic violence cases extremely seriously, and we appreciate the hard work of the Pearl Police Department who helped our office ensure justice was served in this case,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “We encourage all community members to recognize the signs of domestic violence. If you see something, say something because that may be some individuals' only voice in these situations.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Matthew Dillon Tate 

Date of Birth: 02/14/1997 

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Man Sentenced for Shootings at Family Reunion at Canton Masonic Lodge

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that George Alton Smith, 32, pled guilty to second degree murder and aggravated assault charges in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to serve forty years, day for day, in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, without the possibility of parole. 

On June 25, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Canton Police Department were dispatched to the Anderson Masonic Lodge with reports of multiple people being shot. When they arrived on scene, they discovered Jordan Deere had been shot and killed. Daryl Dortch, Densie Page, and James Williams had also been shot and were injured. Mr. Dortch was airlifted to UMMC for his wounds. He passed away due to complications from his injuries on February 14, 2024. 

At the time of the shooting, there was a large group of men, women, and children inside the event hall for the third day of a weekend-long family reunion. Many of the attendees were able to escape the gunfire by running out of the building to a residential neighborhood behind the lodge. Witnesses reported that the shooter walked inside the event hall and began firing his weapon indiscriminately at people and reloading his firearm several times as he carried out his attack of the people at the event. 

Many of the family members, including two of the actual shooting victims, were able to identify the suspect by the clothing he wore at the time of the shooting and describe his vehicle for police. Officers were able to quickly stop the suspect vehicle and took Smith into custody as he was driving away from the scene. The shell casings found at the crime scene were consistent with the gun and bullets found in Smith’s truck at the time of his arrest. 

The shooter was a stranger to the family members present and had no known ties to any of the families at the reunion or even the Canton area. There appears to be no motive for the shootings. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Our hearts go out to each and every person that was at the Anderson Masonic Lodge on June 25, 2023. What should have been the final day of a family reunion turned into a nightmare for the many men, women, and children who were at the Lodge at that time. We may never know why George Smith walked into that building and began firing on innocent strangers. But, we will continue to pray for all of those affected due to the uncomprehensible violence at the hands of the Defendant.” 

Defendant: 

Name: George Alton Smith 

DOB: 08/04/1992 

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