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 

TEENS PLEAD GUILTY TO RIDGELAND CARJACKING

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that six teenagers have pled guilty for attempting to carjack a man in Ridgeland. Ahmaud Lampkin, 14; Cortarrius Huff, 19; Pernell Moore, 16; Braylon Cooper 17; Tristan Burns, 14; Camerious Huff, 16, all pled guilty in front of Judge Dewey Arthur in Madison County Circuit Court. 

On December 31, 2023 the group of teens left a hotel on Ridgewood Road and began walking through the At Home parking lot and onto County Line Road. The group had a handgun and were planning on carjacking someone. They arrived at the Ridgeland Ranch Apartments and found a man loading items into his car. Four of the individuals approached the man and took his keys from him while threatening him with the gun. 

The teens were unable to get the car to start and ran off through the nearby Christ Covenant School and Waffle House. The Ridgeland Police Department were immediately notified and were able to quickly locate four of the juveniles in the Northpark area of Ridgeland. RPD investigators also obtained fingerprints off the victim’s car that matched one of the suspects, and surveillance from multiple businesses on County Line showing their approach and departure from the crime scene. Finally, a forensic examination of a cell phone contained a video of the teens joking about carjacking someone while waving the gun around. 

Ahmaud Lampkin was the individual holding the gun during the carjacking. He pled to Armed Carjacking & Conspiracy to Commit Armed Carjacking and was sentenced to fifteen years to serve. Cortarrius Huff was present at the carjacking and pled to Armed Carjacking and Directing a Minor to Commit a Felony and was sentenced to serve twenty years. Pernell Moore was present at the carjacking and pled to Armed Carjacking and Conspiracy and was sentenced to serve ten years. Braylon Cooper was present at the carjacking and pled to Armed Carjacking. His sentencing was set off until September 30, 2024. The remaining two juveniles were not in the immediate vicinity of the victim during the carjacking as they ran off when a firearm was displayed. Tristan Burns pled to Conspiracy to Commit Armed Carjacking and was sentenced to serve one year. Camerious Huff pled to Conspiracy to Commit Armed Carjacking and was sentenced to five years to serve. Each defendant was sentenced based on their individual involvement in the planning and execution of the crime, use or possession of the firearm, and cooperation with law enforcement’s investigation. 

Defendant: Ahmaud Lampkin 

DOB: August 20, 2009 

Defendant: Cortarrius Huff 

DOB: May 07, 2004 

Defendant: Pernell Moore 

DOB: September 11, 2007 

Defendant: Braylon Cooper 

DOB: August 3, 2006 

Defendant: Tristan Burns 

DOB: May 15, 2009 

Defendant: Camerious Huff 

DOB: March 8, 2007

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Inmate Convicted of Sexual Battery of Central Mississippi Correctional Facility Employee Will Serve Thirty Years

Rankin, MS—Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Ernest Mayfield, an inmate at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF), was sentenced to the maximum allowed, 30 years, day for day, for sexual battery by Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff. 

Mayfield, a habitual offender with two prior convictions of Methamphetamine possession, was given the maximum sentence possible by Judge Ratcliff. 

On September 17, 2021, Mayfield, who had only recently been booked into the CMCF a few days prior, broke into a female employee’s office at the correctional facility and sexually assaulted her. 

The case went to trial on April 30, 2024. During the two-day trial, the State called the victim, multiple forensic experts, and other witnesses to the stand before the jury returned a guilty verdict. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “I appreciate all the hard work from both my office and multiple law enforcement agencies to secure a guilty verdict in this matter. We are glad to put this lifelong habitual criminal in prison for the next thirty years.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Ernest Mayfield 

Date of Birth: 04/26/2001 

TEEN PLEADS TO MADISON COUNTY MURDER

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on June 24, 2024, Dawton Gage Whatley, 19 of Walls, Mississippi, pled guilty to second degree murder in the death of Lemetrius Hollins. 

On February 5, 2024, officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to 101 Haley Creek in Madison for a welfare check. Deputies had received information out of Washington County, Mississippi that Dawton Whatley was in custody on unrelated charges in their jurisdiction and claimed he had shot Hollins a few days earlier. 

Once officers arrived at the home, they found the body of Hollins inside. It appeared he had been shot days earlier. Investigators traveled to Washington County and transported Whatley back to the Sheriff’s Department. After several conversations with the suspect, Whatley was charged with murder. It appeared the two men knew each other because Hollins had acted as a guardian and mentor to Whatley in his teen years and Whatley had been living with Hollins prior to the murder. The exact motive remains unclear although Whatley did admit to shooting Hollins one time on February 3. 

Whatley was indicted on June 7, 2024 and pled guilty June 24. Sentencing will be July 16. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “We appreciate the work that both the Madison and Washington County Sheriff’s Departments did on this case. Madison County investigators quickly appreciated the seriousness of the tip and started a full-scale investigation. They were able to track the suspect from the home in Madison County to Washington County through multiple sources. The strength of the investigation is what made such a quick case turnaround possible and what ultimately led to Mr. Whatley pleading guilty three weeks after his indictment. We hope the family of Mr. Hollins can begin to get closure now that the criminal case is over.” 

Defendant: Dawton Gage Whatley 

DOB: 11/14/2004 

Canton Man Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years for Sale of Fentanyl

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on June 24, 2024, Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Denarious Evans, 24, to twenty-five years without the possibility of parole for the sale of fentanyl. 

On three separate occasions in August and November of 2023, agents with Madison Police Department and Gluckstadt Police Department conducted days of surveillance which showed several drug transactions between Evans and confidential informants in the cities of Madison and Gluckstadt. 

Evans was previously convicted in April 2024 for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm from charges out of the city of Ridgeland, MS. He was sentenced to fifteen years for those offenses. Evans has three (3) other prior felony convictions from Madison, Oktibbeha and Leake counties for various crimes including possession of a stolen firearm, business burglary, and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Let this young man’s sentence be a reminder to not sell fentanyl in Madison and Rankin Counties. We take this crime very seriously because people are dying every day from fentanyl overdoses. Additionally, Denarious Evans is only 24 years old and had already been convicted of at least four felonies before he came before Judge Arthur on these sale charges. Due to the large number of prior convictions and the amount of fentanyl pills he sold, he will have to serve everyday of this sentence. We would like to thank both MPD and GPD for their great work on this case and all they are doing trying to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl into our counties.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Denarious D. Evans 

DOB: 04/08/2000 

Madison County Assistant District Attorney Scott Rogillio Named Mississippi Prosecutor of the Year

Madison, MS —Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Scott Rogillio was named the Mississippi Prosecutor of the Year at this week's 2024 Public Safety Summit held in Flowood, MS. This recognition, presented by Governor Tate Reeves, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, is a testament to Rogillio’s exceptional service and dedication to the field of prosecution. 

ADA Rogillio, a seasoned legal professional with a career spanning over thirty years, has been with the 20th Congressional District’s Madison office since September 2019. Prior to coming to Madison, he was a prosecutor with the Hinds District Attorney’s Office, the 16th District Attorney’s Office, the 21st District Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office. 

“Scott’s unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and relentless work ethic in ensuring that all our Madison murder cases are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law is a source of inspiration for our entire office,” expressed Bramlett. “His recognition as Mississippi Prosecutor of the Year is a well-deserved honor, and we are immensely proud and grateful to have him as a leader on our team.” 

Pictured from L-R: Attorney General Lynn Finch, ADA Scott Rogillio, and Public Safety Commissioner Tindell. 

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