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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Rankin County Man Pleads Guilty to Statutory Rape

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Don Edd Woods, 51, pled guilty to Statutory Rape. Woods was sentenced to thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. He will serve fifteen (15) years of this sentence without the possibility of early release or parole. Upon his release, Woods will be under the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Corrections for an additional five (5) years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. 

The case originated on November 26, 2023, when two concerned adults reported to the Rankin County Sheriff's Department that a child had disclosed to them that Woods had been sexually abusing her. The abuse began in 2022, but the child was too afraid to report it initially. Following the report, the Rankin County Sheriff's Department launched a comprehensive investigation, which included a forensic interview conducted by the Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center. This forensic interview process allows trained specialists to gather critical information from child victims in a manner that minimizes additional trauma. During the interview, the child disclosed the details of the abuse. 

“We are committed to protecting children in our community and holding perpetrators accountable,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “We are grateful for the brave individuals who provided a safe space for this child to share her experience and for the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, which works tirelessly to guard our children from sexual predators.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Don Edd Woods 

Date of Birth: 10/4/1972 

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18-Year-Old Pearl Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery and Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Dylan Josiah Fletcher, an 18-year-old resident of Pearl, MS, has been sentenced following Armed Robbery and Possession of Stolen Firearm convictions. 

On September 10, 2024, Judge Bradley Mills sentenced Fletcher to serve thirty (30) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) with eighteen (18) years suspended, leaving twelve (12) years to serve, followed by five (5) years of supervised probation for the April 2023 Armed Robbery. Judge Mills then sentenced Fletcher to serve a concurrent sentence of five (5) years in the custody of MDOC for the September 2023 Possession of a Stolen Firearm. 

On April 7, 2023, Pearl Police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Sonic on Highway 80 in Pearl. A juvenile victim, who had just attended his school's prom, reported that two masked individuals approached his vehicle, displaying firearms and demanding all his belongings. The victim recognized Fletcher by his voice, even though a mask partially concealed his face. Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence of events, showing the masked robbers approaching the victim’s car shortly after he arrived at the restaurant. 

While out on bond for the April 2023 Armed Robbery incident, Fletcher was arrested again in September 2023 for possessing a stolen Glock 17 9 mm firearm. The firearm had been reported stolen during an automobile burglary in Rankin County. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett commended the bravery and composure of the young victim, stating, "The quick thinking and cooperation of the victim played a crucial role in identifying the assailant and ensuring justice was served. Fortunately, this armed robbery incident did not lead to further violence. As a community, we must act against gun violence. I urge our citizens to safeguard their firearms and limit access by securing them in locked vehicles." 

Defendant: 

Name: Dylan Josiah Fletcher 

Date of Birth: 05/28/2006 

22-Year-Old Brandon Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Domestic Violence

Rankin County - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that James Dylan Little, 22, of Brandon, has pled guilty to Aggravated Domestic Violence. Little was sentenced to twenty (20) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with ten (10) of those years to serve, and the final ten (10) years suspended. Upon his release, Little will be supervised by the Mississippi Department of Corrections for five (5) years. Little was also ordered to have no contact with the victim. 

On April 28, 2024, the Brandon Police Department responded to a 911 call made by a concerned neighbor of the victim. Upon arrival, officers observed that the victim had sustained significant injuries. Paramedics were called to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. Based on the evidence, Little was arrested for Aggravated Domestic Violence. 

“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to addressing domestic violence in our communities,” District Attorney Bramlett stated. “It is crucial for individuals to recognize the signs of domestic violence and to report any suspicions to law enforcement. We extend our gratitude to the Brandon Police Department and concerned neighbors in this case for their dedication to protecting this victim of domestic violence.” 

Defendant: 

Name: James Dylan Little 

Date of Birth: 05/08/2001 

Memphis Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Felony Evasion That Ends in Crash with Injuries

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Mario Flynn, 31, of Memphis, pled guilty to one count of felony evasion resulting in serious bodily injury in Madison County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to twenty years to serve in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the maximum penalty allowed by law. 

On October 13, 2023, an officer with Madison Police Department responded to the Best Buy located on Grandview Boulevard. Per the store security officer, two males appeared to take several laptops and surveillance cameras. They were able to identify a white BMW X6 bearing Texas plates as the suspect vehicle. An MPD officer noticed the suspect vehicle entering onto Interstate 55 Southbound. The suspect car then exited onto County Line Road and reentered onto I55 then headed northbound. 

Once northbound on I55, the vehicle reached speeds up to 128 mph. Another MPD officer saw the suspects in the BMW throwing boxes of items out of the window during the pursuit. The car, driven by Mario Flynn, took the Canton Highway 22 exit and hit a civilian’s vehicle. The crash caused severe injuries to the civilian including a fractured vertebra and multiple rib fractures. 

Flynn and the other male fled on foot, but officers were able to quickly track them down. They found Flynn lying under a trailer. He was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries he sustained during the wreck. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “We continue to see individuals running from law enforcement in Madison and Rankin counties. Please, let this case speak to the inherent danger in running from police at high rates of speed. Innocent people can and do get hurt and, when that happens, those responsible will be facing lengthy prison sentences.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Mario Flynn 

DOB: 07/01/1993 

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Canton Man Sentenced to Ten Years Without Parole for 4th Offense DUI

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Calvin F. Francis, 50, pled guilty and was sentenced to ten (10) years without the possibility of parole for Felony Driving Under the Influence 4th Offense as a non-violent habitual offender in Madison County Circuit Court. 

On April 18, 2023, an officer with Madison Police Department made a traffic stop on a vehicle for careless driving and identified the driver as Calvin F. Francis. The officer smelled alcohol on Francis and asked him to step out of the vehicle when Francis advised that he had just been released from prison for a Felony DUI 3rd Offense in December of 2022. After conducting field sobriety tests and preliminary breath tests, Francis was taken into custody and transported to the Madison Police Department where he blew into the Intoxilyzer machine and registered a .13% which is above the legal blood alcohol content limit of .08%. 

On February 24, 2024, an officer with Ridgeland Police Department made a traffic stop on Francis for careless driving. The officer smelled alcohol on Francis and after conducting field sobriety tests, Francis refused to blow in the machine. A search warrant was obtained for his blood. His BAC was .15% which is almost twice the legal limit. 

Francis has remained in custody since his February 24, 2024 arrest. He has at least four prior DUI convictions including one for a felony DUI 3rd Offense in Madison County from 2018. He served five years for the DUI third offense. 

Francis was indicted for two counts of Felony DUI 4th offense in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty to Felony DUI 4th offense as a non-violent habitual offender on August 28, 2024, and was sentenced to serve ten (10) years without the possibility of early release or parole. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Mr. Francis was given chance after chance to get sober. Or at least to quit driving while intoxicated. In Mississippi, if you are convicted of a third DUI within five years, it becomes a felony offense. If you are convicted of another it becomes a DUI 4th which is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment. He had already been to prison once for the third DUI offense. Within 14 months of his release from prison, he was stopped and charged with not one but two additional DUI offenses. He is a serious danger to the community, and it is a miracle he had not hurt or killed an innocent person. I want to thank both the Madison and Ridgeland Police Departments for always keeping an eye out for possibly impaired drivers and keeping the roadways of Madison County safe for all drivers.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Calvin F. Francis 

DOB: 02/25/1974 

CANTON MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO MURDERING MAN AND HIDING HIS BODY IN A DITCH

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Calvin Prisley, 50, and Calvin Jones, 49, both pled guilty to their parts in the December 2023 murder of Levor Taylor, 24. Prisley pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to serve twenty five years without the possibility of parole while Jones pled guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and was sentenced to serve ten years in prison. 

On December 24, 2023, officers with the Canton Police Department responded to a call of a black male lying in a ditch. Upon their arrival, witnesses told them two black males got out of a Ford Fusion and moved a body from the trunk into a ditch on the side of the road. Officers identified the deceased as Levor Taylor and went to speak with his roommate, Calvin Jones. Jones stated that Prisley and Taylor had gotten into a physical altercation on December 23, 2023 and Prisley had shot Taylor. Jones also admitted to helping hide Taylor’s body the next day in a nearby ditch. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family in this matter. We hope that the two guilty pleas in this matter will give the family some type of closure. We would also like to the thank the citizens of Canton who saw something that didn’t look right and immediately notified law enforcement. Our residents are able to see and hear so much more than the police, and because of that, they are an essential tool to combating violent crime. We need more civilians looking out for each other and their community and cooperating with law enforcement to see real change in our higher crime areas throughout the district.” 

Defendant: Calvin Prisley 

DOB: 05/30/1973 

Defendant: Calvin Jones 

DOB: 06/06/1974 

FORTY YEARS FOR MAN WHO SHOT AT RIDGELAND OFFICERS

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Keithannin Cortez Starks pled guilty in Madison County Circuit Court to two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers and was sentenced to serve a total of forty years. 

On May 4, 2024, two officers with the Ridgeland Police Department responded to a call for a domestic disturbance at Ridgeland Place Apartments on William Blvd. Keithannin Starks and his girlfriend were inside the apartment when law enforcement arrived. Officers could hear screaming from inside the apartment, but they were unable to contact the occupants. As officers were attempting to get the door open, Starks fired multiple rounds through the door at the officers. Neither officer was hit. 

The female victim was able to exit the apartment as Starks fired more shots at officers through a second floor window of the apartment building. Officers returned fire and requested backup from surrounding agencies. Specialized teams from RPD, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Madison Police Department quickly arrived on scene to provide assistance. After an almost hour-long standoff, Starks voluntarily left the apartment and surrendered to RPD Special Response Team members. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a terrifying example of what our law enforcement officers can face each time they get called out. We are so thankful that no officers were hurt during the shooting or standoff. We applaud the officers of the RPD who maintained their composure and were able to resolve the situation without anyone losing their life. I hope the fact that Mr. Starks will be spending the next forty years in custody will be a message to anyone else out there who thinks that they can fire on police in Madison or Rankin Counties. Our office takes violence against our law enforcement extremely seriously.” 

Defendant: Keithannin Cortez Starks 

DOB: June 11, 1995