Sex Offender Receives Twenty Five Years for Sexual Battery Involving Minor

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Leonard Prevost Foster was sentenced to 25 years for Sexual Battery by Circuit Court Judge John H. Emfinger.

Foster, 64, will serve 20 years of his sentence in prison and then be placed on supervised probation for 5 years. He must register as a sex offender and will have no contact with his victim.

The abuse by Foster occurred in Rankin County between March 2007 and July 2008. At the time, his victim was between the ages of 5 and 6. The abuse continued in Lincoln and Lamar Counties until the victim was 14. The victim did not report the abuse initially, because Foster threatened her.

The victim’s sibling was also abused by Foster in another county. This abuse was disclosed to a counselor. Because that victim was brave enough to speak out, the victim in this case also had the courage to speak out against their abuser.

The crime was initially reported to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. The victim disclosed during a forensic interview in McComb, Mississippi that Foster would engage in sexual acts with her when he would visit her family in Rankin, Lincoln and Lamar Counties. Since the allegations contained abuse that occurred in Rankin County, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department worked this case.

Foster is currently facing similar charges in both Lincoln and Lamar Counties for further abuse to this victim and her sibling.

At sentencing the victim made a powerful statement to Foster and the Court detailing how she has overcome his abuse and is a survivor.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “By making physical threats, Foster was able to prey on vulnerable young children for years. I am thankful this brave victim spoke out about the abuse she endured as a very young child. Foster will now serve the rest of his foreseeable life in prison for what he has done.”

Defendant:

Name: Leonard Prevost Foster

Date of Birth: 10/19/1955

Man Previously Convicted of Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Receives Maximum for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Parviz Deangelo King, of Yazoo City, was sentenced to the maximum punishment allowed by law for the crime of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon by Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff. King was a habitual offender which means he had two or more prior felony convictions. Due to this, King will be required to serve all prison time day for day without the chance or early release or parole.

On May 20, 2019, a patrol officer working for the Ridgeland Police Department observed a car make an illegal U-turn in the middle of West Jackson Street. After making a traffic stop on the vehicle, the officer confirmed that King, the driver, did not have a driver’s license.

Due to the strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, the officer asked King, his wife who was in the front passenger seat, and an unrelated fifteen year old boy located in the back seat to step out of the car. This is when the officer saw in plain view a 9mm handgun sticking out of the back pocket of the front passenger seat. Officers also located a “Halloween”- movie type mask and box of 9mm ammunition in a bag by the gun. King admitted to the officer that he had recently been released from prison for armed robbery and was currently on probation.

King claimed ownership of the gun and was sentenced to serve ten years without early release which is the maximum sentence allowed by law. In addition to his 2000 armed robbery conviction, King has also been previously convicted of kidnapping in 2007.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett stated, “In our State, it is illegal for a convicted felon to be in possession of a firearm for obvious reasons. This man had been previously convicted of both armed robbery and kidnapping and was carrying around a gun, bullets, and a mask while he was still on probation for these offenses. He is a dangerous man who refuses to learn his lesson. Thanks to a patrol officer with the Ridgeland Police Department, who went above and beyond during a routine traffic stop, a serious and habitual criminal will spend the next decade in prison.”

Defendant:

Name: Parviz Deangelo King

Date of Birth: 06/01/1979

Pearl Man Receives Twenty Year Sentence for Sexual Battery Involving 11 Year Old Girl

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Anthony Wayne Atkinson was sentenced to serve 20 years for Sexual Battery by Circuit Court Judge John H. Emfinger. The time will have to be served day for day without the chance or early release or parole. Atkinson will have to register as a sex offender after he is released from custody. Atkinson is 66 years old.

On April 5, 2018, the Pearl Police Department received a complaint from a local school regarding potential sexual abuse. A minor child reported to a classmate inappropriate behavior with her adult neighbor. Then, that classmate notified the school counselor. During an interview of the child at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the 11 year old child disclosed that Atkinson forced her to perform sexual acts on him over a period of four months and sometimes recorded these acts. She also disclosed that she waited to tell anyone because Atkinson threatened her.

The Pearl Police Department secured a search warrant for Atkinson’s residence and was able to retrieve electronic storage devices. These devices were sent off to the Regional Organized Crime Information Center for forensic processing. Ultimately, multiple videos were recovered of the sexual acts involving Atkinson and 11 year old girl.

Rather than proceed to trial, Atkinson pleaded guilty on October 19, 2019.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett stated, “This case is a prime example of why it is so important to talk to your kids about sexual abuse. Even if your child is not the one being abused, they need to know what to do if a friend confides in them. The classmate of this young girl unknowingly saved her from future abuse by talking to her school counselor. This started a full scale, multi-agency investigation which ultimately led to a sick predator most likely spending the rest of his life in prison where he belongs.”

Tyrone Body Found Guilty of House Burglary After Breaking into Canton Home

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Tyrone Body was found guilty after a trial for the crime of burglary of a dwelling.  He will be sentenced November 4, 2019. He is an habitual offender and faces up to twenty-five years without eligibility for parole or early release.

During the early morning hours on November 10, 2018, Body barged through the locked door of his girlfriend’s apartment in Canton.  Body then assaulted her, breaking her nose in the process.  The home was occupied by the victim, her four small children, and another man.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched by a third party who called 911 to report the disturbance.  When they arrived on scene, they found Body still in the home.  The case was tried in front of a Madison County jury who found Body guilty on the charge of burglary of a dwelling.  The Defendant had previously pled guilty to the charge of domestic violence in Madison Justice Court.  

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is yet another example of domestic violence in our community.  I appreciate the quick response of the Sheriff’s Department who were able to catch this guy before he was able to get away with his crime.”

Byron McBride Pleads Guilty to Capital Murder in Killing of Kingston Frazier

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today Byron McBride pled guilty this afternoon to capital murder in the 2017 shooting death of Kingston Frazier.  He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

During the early morning hours of May 18, 2017, McBride, along with the two other individuals, went to the Kroger located on the Frontage Road in Jackson to make a drug deal.  While there, McBride decided to steal a car that was left running in the parking lot.  Kingston Frazier, age 6, was sleeping in the backseat of the car.  McBride drove the vehicle to an industrial area of Gluckstadt in Madison County.  There, he shot and killed Frazier and abandoned the vehicle.   

Through a joint investigation of JPD, MBI, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, MHP, and several other state and local agencies, McBride was identified through surveillance cameras, cell phone location services, forensic evidence, and statements of co-defendants as the shooter in this case. He was charged with capital murder by a Madison County grand jury.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Byron McBride entered a guilty plea this afternoon to the capital murder of Kingston Frazier.  McBride was sentenced to serve the remainder of his life in prison, with no possibility for parole, no possibility for the eligibility for parole, no eligibility of early release.  He will die in prison.”

Bramlett continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. With this conviction and sentence of life without parole, there will be no appeals.  McBride admitted to shooting Kingston Frazier, causing his death.  We don’t know why he took the life of this beautiful and precious child, but he did.  We know today, with finality and closure, that he will spend the remainder of his life in prison and will never get out.”

Thomas Ball, Jr. Receives Twenty-Five Years for Armed Robbery of Canton Woman

 Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today Thomas Ray Ball, Jr., of Clinton, was sentenced to twenty-five years without the chance of early release or parole for the armed robbery of a Canton woman.

On September 18, 2017, a woman went to a Vicksburg Casino where she won a large jackpot of about $5,000. Without her knowledge, Thomas Ball Jr. and Sean Johnson, had been canvassing the casino for individuals that won large that night.  When they saw her win the jackpot, Ball followed her to her car and followed her all the way back to Ridgeland.  The woman stopped at a bank in Ridgeland to deposit some of her winnings.  Ball approached Thomas while she was at the ATM, pulled a gun on her, and took her winnings. 

The woman was able to drive away and saw a law enforcement officer at a nearby gas station where she stopped and asked for help.  The Ridgeland Police Department began an investigation into the incident and were able to pull surveillance footage from both the casino and the bank that showed Ball watching the woman and confronting her at the bank.  The Mississippi Analysis and Information Center, a division of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, assisted Ridgeland investigators by tracking the suspect’s cell phone tower location from the night in question .  These records showed him at the casino, and then showed him following the woman all the way from Vicksburg to the bank in Ridgeland.

On August 19, 2019, Thomas Ball pled guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to 25 years without the possibility of parole.  His co-defendant, Sean Johnson pled guilty in May 2019 to conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a stark reminder for people to constantly be aware of their surroundings and those who might be watching them to commit crimes of opportunity.  Mr. Ball thought he saw an easy target when he saw a single woman leaving the casino late at night and followed her for over an hour with the sole purpose of robbing her a gunpoint. Thanks to the Ridgeland Police Department, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center for all of their hard work on bringing this man to justice.”

THOMAS RAY BALL, JR.

DOB: 08/24/1975

Man Charged with Killing Three in Pawnshop in Jackson Sentenced to Life in Prison

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced that Joshua Garcia pled guilty, July 30, 2019, mid-trial, to attempted escape as a violent habitual offender.  Yesterday, August 5, 2019, Garcia was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of early release or parole.

Garcia is also currently charged with the homicide of three employees of a Jackson pawnshop that occurred in December 2016. He fled the Jackson area after the murders and was located by US Marshals in Kansas and placed in the Leavenworth Correctional Facility.  There, guards found a handcuff key located in Garcia’s rectum. 

He was then returned back to the Jackson Metro area where he was housed as a federal inmate at the Madison County Detention Center.  On July 1, 2017, a detention officer at the Madison County Detention Center observed Garcia attempting to climb through the razor wire at the top of the recreation yard inside the jail.  Garcia was unable to get through the wire and quickly taken back into custody by officers.  Garcia had torn the sheets from his bed and tied his jail issued flip flops to his feet.  He had also padded his socks with strips of his jumpsuit and placed them on his hands in his attempt to get through the razor wire.  He was indicted by a Madison County grand jury for attempted escape as a violent habitual offender.

July 30, 2019, after the State rested their case-in-chief, Garcia opted to plead guilty as a violent habitual offender.  A violent habitual offender is someone who has been convicted at least two times previously to a felony offense, served more than one year on each offense, and one of those prior felonies is a crime of violence.  The Court sentenced Garcia Monday, August 5, 2019, to life in prison without the possibility of early release or parole.

He still has to face the three murder charges through the U.S. Attorney’s Office where there is a possibility he will face the death penalty.

Bramlett stated “Joshua Garcia is a very dangerous person.  He is accused of killing three innocent people in Jackson, evaded law enforcement after the murders, attempted to escape in Leavenworth, and then tried to escape from the Madison County Detention Center.  Thankfully our detention officers are well trained and were able to stop him from escaping. He will now spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Defendant:

Name: Joshua Garcia                                     

Date of Birth: 4/19/1979

Canton Mother Receives 30 Year Sentence for Felony Child Abuse

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today Latasha Leonard was sentenced to serve 30 years for Felonious Abuse of a Child by Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff.  The case was a combined investigation of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Canton Police Department, and Child Protective Services.

In 2017, Madison County Child Protective Services received a complaint about possible neglect on Latasha Leonard.  Through a joint investigation of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Canton Police Department and Child Protective Services, it was discovered that Leonard had a ten-year-old son that had been severely abused and neglected.   He was only 3’4” and weighed 41 pounds – the size of an average 3 to four-year-old child – upon admittance to the hospital.  He also had an untreated broken femur bone that had healed with no apparent medical intervention.

Additional investigation revealed that the child had never been enrolled in school, had not received any medical care or immunizations since he was eighteen months old, and was made to stay in a small space between a dresser and the wall in the family’s home almost twenty-four hours a day.  He was frequently tied up, beaten, and denied food by Leonard. He was not allowed to go outside and play or eat dinner with the rest of the family.  Leonard even attempted to deny his existence to law enforcement at the beginning of the investigation.

The child was placed in a therapeutic foster home and has received care from various practices at UMC including getting eyeglasses, hearing aids, growth stimulants, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  He also started pre-K after coming into CPS custody, at the age of 11, and has since learned to read and write and is now getting ready to enter the seventh grade.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This was one of the most horrible cases of child abuse I have ever seen in all my years as a prosecutor.  Thanks to the hours of work by MBI, CPS, CPD, numerous UMC pediatric units, and the devotion and love of his foster mother, this child has been able to attend school, receive medical care, and receive the food, love, and attention that every child deserves from their parents. As a father, I cannot imagine doing something like this to my own flesh and blood and am glad that Ms. Leonard will spend her foreseeable future in prison.  She basically forced this child to live in a cell his entire life and now it is her turn to live like that.”

Defendant:

Name: Latasha Leonard                                                                               

Date of Birth: September 18, 1984

Camden Man Receives 60 years for Violent Crime Spree

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today Joshua Olive was sentenced by Judge Steve Ratcliff to serve 60 years for two counts of home invasion and two counts of aggravated assault that occurred at a home in rural Madison County near the Leake County line. 

On January 1, 2019, Olive had an argument with his then girlfriend, Terica Harris, resulting in him biting her in the face.  He left the residence, in which she lived with her grandparents, but returned  that same day with a shotgun and broke into the residence. Terica’s grandmother, Thelma Harris, was able to fight Olive off and knock him unconscious with her own shotgun.  Olive ran away from the scene before officers could arrive.

Approximately two hours later, after officers had left the home, Olive returned to the house and kicked in the front door.  Olive beat Robert Harris, Terica’s grandfather, in the head with a hammer and broke Thelma’s arm. He then stole Robert’s truck and left the home. Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and began their investigation.  Olive was later apprehended by the US Marshals and found to be in possession of the hammer and shotgun believed to be used in the attacks. 

The case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is a case of domestic violence in which not only the young woman involved in the relationship with an abuser was harmed but also her elderly family members.  The grandparents are the true heroes in this story as they both sustained severe injuries trying to protect their granddaughter from this violent man. We appreciate the hard work of both the Sheriff’s Department and the US Marshalls for helping bring this violent individual to justice.”

Defendant:

Name: Joshua Olive                                                   

Date of Birth: October 21, 1992

Man Charged with Killing Three in Pawnshop in Jackson Pleads Guilty to Escape in Madison

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Joshua Garcia pled guilty today, mid-trial, to attempted escape as a violent habitual offender. 

Garcia is also currently charged with the homicide of three employees of a Jackson pawnshop that occurred in December 2016. He fled the Jackson area after the murders and was located by US Marshals in Kansas and placed in the Leavenworth Correctional Facility.  There, guards found a handcuff key located in Garcia’s rectum. 

He was then returned back to the Jackson Metro area where he was housed as a federal inmate at the Madison County Detention Center.  On July 1, 2017, a detention officer at the Madison County Detention Center observed Garcia attempting to climb through the razor wire at the top of the recreation yard inside the jail.  Garcia was unable to get through the wire and quickly taken back into custody by officers.  Garcia had torn the sheets from his bed and tied his jail-issued flip flops to his feet.  He had also padded his socks with strips of his jumpsuit and placed them on his hands in his attempt to get through the razor wire.  He was indicted by a Madison County grand jury for attempted escape as a violent habitual offender.

Today, after the State rested their case-in-chief, Garcia opted to plead guilty as a violent habitual offender.  A violent habitual offender is someone who has been convicted at least two times previously to a felony offense, served more than one year on each offense, and one of those prior felonies is a crime of violence.  The only sentence a violent habitual offender can receive is life in prison without early release or parole.  The Court is set to sentence Garcia Monday, August 5 at 1:00. He still has to face the three murder charges through the U.S. Attorney’s Office where there is a possibility he will face the death penalty.

Bramlett stated “Joshua Garcia is a very dangerous person.  He is accused of killing three innocent people in Jackson, evaded law enforcement after the murders, attempted to escape in Leavenworth, and then tried to escape from the Madison County Detention Center.  Thankfully our detention officers are well trained and were able to stop him from escaping. This individual needs to spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Defendant:

Name: Joshua Garcia                                     

Date of Birth: 4/19/1979

Ocean Springs Man Convicted of First Degree Murder of his Grandparents

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that 26-year-old Zachary Stanford, of Ocean Springs, received two life sentences for the 2015 murder of his grandparents. 

On June 23, 2015, neighbors found Robert and Peggy Faries dead in their home in the Greenfield community of Rankin County.  Rankin County Deputies arrived on scene and found the elderly couple murdered.  They were able to develop the victims’ grandson, Zachary Stanford, as a suspect in the murders.  The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation arrived at the home to process the evidence at the crime scene.

The next day, the Magee Police Department alerted the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department that Stanford was stopped, and ultimately arrested by the Magee Police Department, on several traffic violations.  During the traffic stop, officers discovered bloody clothing, a knife and a .22 caliber firearm with a homemade suppressor attached in the vehicle.  Stanford was questioned by Rankin County deputies where he ultimately confessed. 

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “Stanford killed his own grandmother and grandfather in their home.  This is an unthinkable crime and today he was held accountable for his actions.”

Bramlett added, “We thank the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Magee Police Department for their hard work during this investigation so that Mr. and Mrs. Faries could receive the justice they deserve.”

Defendant:

Name: Zachary Stanford                                                                    

Date of Birth: 1/27/1993

Man Receives 30-Year Sentence for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Deshaun Grissom was sentenced to 30 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping.  Five years will be suspended and he will have to serve 25 years in prison.  Upon his release, he will serve five years of supervised probation.

On August 15, 2015, the Richland Police Department was dispatched to the Title Cash on Bud Street regarding a possible armed robbery that had just occurred.  Upon arriving, the clerk told law enforcement that an African American male followed her into the store as she was opening for the day.  The suspect, later identified as Grissom, pulled a weapon from his pocket and pointed it at the clerk. The clerk ran to an adjacent business, Acceptance Insurance, to flee from Grissom.  Grissom followed her into the building and demanded the clerk’s keys.  The employee of Acceptance Insurance was in the parking lot gathering personal items out of her car.  Grissom noticed the employee in the parking lot and demanded that she come to him or he would start shooting. She fled into the Title Cash building to hide and called 911. After rummaging through her car, Grissom fled on foot from the scene.

Officers started looking for the assailant on foot and also called in the k-9 unit.  The dog tracked the suspect to a home that appeared to have been unlawfully entered. 

It was later learned that Grissom broke into that home and forced the occupant, at gunpoint, to transport him to a restaurant in Clinton.  After dropping the assailant off at the restaurant, the occupant of the home returned to find law enforcement where he provided a description of the assailant.

A photo line-up was compiled where Grissom was positively identified by the Title Cash clerk and by the man who was forced to drive him to Clinton.  Grissom was arrested in Tennessee and was extradited back to Mississippi.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “Grissom is an extremely dangerous criminal who had planned this crime for many days.  His arrest is important because we have removed another criminal from society.”

Bramlett concluded, “The Richland Police Department worked this case as hard as any case has been worked and their accomplishments are a great testimony to their commitment to the oath they took to serve and protect.  They should be applauded for their outstanding work and investigatory victories.”

Defendant

Name: Deshaun Grissom

Date of Birth: 8/30/1990

Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Robbing a Gas Station in Rankin County

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that 51-year-old Dion Lamont Summers, of Wisconsin, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the armed robbery of a gas station in Rankin County.  Five years of his sentence have been suspended.

On November 13, 2017, the Richland Police Department was dispatched after a customer witnessed the armed robbery of a gas station.  He provided dispatch with a description of the assailant, the clothes he was wearing and a description of the vehicle he was driving.

In route to the gas station, officers observed the vehicle that was described and turned on their lights and sirens for Summers to pullover. However, he accelerated to speeds close to 100 miles per hour and a chase ensued.  Other Rankin County law enforcement officials were notified as Summers was crossing into other towns and cities.  Summers lost control of the vehicle which then struck a curb, a red light pole, then another curb and a street light pole before coming to a rest in a ditch.

Officers approached the vehicle, with their service weapons in hand, and ordered Summers to exit the vehicle.  Summers declined to do so forcing officers to assist him out of the car.  While exiting the car Summers began fighting with law enforcement.  He bit one officer on his hand and attempted to bite others before officers were able to safely handcuff him.

Summers admitted to the robbery, the gun used during the robbery was found in the car he was driving and the clothes he was wearing matched the description the witness provided.  Officers also found money in the car.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “Summers is a very dangerous criminal who ran from law enforcement officers at high speeds, injured one of our officers and robbed a gas station clerk at gunpoint.  He deserves every minute of his sentence in prison.”

Bramlett added, “Summers’ arrest is an outstanding example of how law enforcement place themselves in harm’s way daily to protect and serve.  The Richland Police Department did an exceptional job and their efforts do not go unnoticed by this office.  We are thankful for their commitment to our citizens.”

Defendant:

Name: Dion Lamont Summers                                                   

Date of Birth: 5/13/1968

Jackson Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Shooting Two In a Ridgeland Parking Lot

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Sam Kenta Johnson, of Jackson, was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison for two counts of aggravated assault after shooting two people in a Ridgeland parking lot.  Upon his release, he will be required to be under supervised probation for five years.

On October 26, 2017, the Ridgeland Police Department was contacted regarding a shooting that occurred in a parking lot on Highland Colony Parkway.  Upon arriving, officers found a man in a car who had been shot in the chest and started rescue efforts.  The victim identified the shooter as Sam Kenta Johnson.  A second victim was also shot and was able to get to safety within a building. 

During their investigation, law enforcement officials began interviewing witnesses and ultimately both victims.  One of the victims stated that she received several text messages from Johnson while she was at work offering to pick her up after her shift was over.  She declined, but he showed up against her wishes.

Johnson went to her car in the parking lot to find a man waiting on the female victim.  They argued over their relationship with the female victim.  Johnson shot the male victim inside the car.  The female victim heard the gunshots and exited the building and was also shot by Johnson.

Both victims were rushed to The University Mississippi Medical Center where they underwent surgery due to their gunshot wounds.  Both of the victims survived and were able to provide law enforcement officials with comprehensive details of their respective shootings.

The female victim was able to provide law enforcement with Johnson’s car tag number which was broadcasted to law enforcement throughout the state.  Johnson was pulled over in Grenada County and arrested.  He was returned to the Ridgeland Police Department for questioning. 

During his interview with the Ridgeland Police Department, Johnson gave several conflicting stories about the shootings.

It was later determined that Johnson was the female victim’s former boyfriend and that he purchased the gun, matching projectiles found at the scene, three days prior to shooting the victims.  The gun was found inside of the car when Johnson was arrested in Grenada.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “This was a very a serious situation which was handled with a tremendous amount of skill by law enforcement, from securing the crime scene, to questioning multiple witnesses, receiving statements from the victims, to working with other law enforcement throughout Mississippi, and ultimately bringing this gunman to justice.”

Bramlett added, “No shooting goes without notice in Madison and Rankin Counties.  Johnson shot the two victims out of jealously and because of his pre-meditated actions, he will spend most of the rest of his life in prison.”

Defendant:

Name: Sam Kenta Johnson                                            

Date of Birth: November 30, 1977

Statement by District Attorney John K. Bramlett Regarding Law Enforcement Appreciation Week

I am proud and honored to work with the best law enforcement in the country. Madison and Rankin counties’ law enforcement officials embark on a daily mission to keep the peace where we live and work. Their work is noble, selfless and often without notice. They stand strong; so we can stand stronger. We set this week aside to thank them for all they do to keep us safe even in the face of danger. They are mothers, fathers, husbands and wives that sacrifice so much for their community. Thank you to those who wear the Blue and to those who have fallen in the line of duty. We are thankful and keep you in our prayers daily.

Rankin County Jury Convicts Man of Three Counts of Sexual Battery Involving Minor Children

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Jorge Carlos Aday-Cazorla was found guilty by a jury for three counts of sexual battery involving two young children.  He is scheduled to be sentenced in May, 2019.

On September 24, 2017, a Richland Police officer was stopped by the parents of the two young boys as he entered his patrol car at the police station.  They told him of the molestation that had occurred over the past couple of years by a male live-in friend.

As the investigation continued, one of the boy’s friends confirmed that the victims had been molested several times by Aday-Cazorla in the home where he forced them to perform sexual acts on him in the bedroom.

The children were referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center and one of the boys was scared to talk because he was told by Aday-Cazorla if he told someone he would be in trouble.  However, the second victim stated that he had indeed been sexually abused by Aday-Cazorla.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “So often victims have had their experience trivialized, denied or destroyed because people like Aday-Cazorla scare them to the point where they do not tell adults what is happening to them.  In this case, the parents were brave enough to come to the police station and start an investigation that led to the jury finding Aday-Cazorla guilty of terrible and horrific crimes.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “We will continue to work day and night to protect our children and if something like this happens law enforcement, prosecutors and the judicial system will make sure they pay the consequences for their crime.”

Defendant:

Name: Jorge Carlos Aday-Cazorla             

Date of Birth: August 19, 1981

Madison County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Gratification of Lust

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Tracy Cornelius Ellis was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison after being found guilty by a Madison County jury in February for Gratification of Lust. 

Ellis will be required to serve his 30-year sentence day-for-day.  In addition to his sentence, Ellis will be required to register with the Mississippi Sexual Offender Registry.

On January 27, 2018, the parent of the youngest girl went to the Ridgeland Police Department because an argument between she and Ellis revealed that he was having the sisters perform sexual acts on him when they reached the age of ten. 

On multiple occasions, Ellis would have the young girls touch him inappropriately in his bedroom and the family living room.  The girls were scared to tell authorities or a parent because Ellis had threatened them on numerous occasions and they were afraid of him.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This sentence should serve as a reminder that violating a child will not be tolerated in Madison County.  Ellis stole the innocence from two little girls and his sentence clearly reflects the consequences for his unlawful and sick actions”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “I hope the family and the victims can find some peace in knowing that Ellis will spend the next thirty years in jail and will not be able to hurt another child.” 

Defendant:

Name: Tracy Cornelius Ellis                              

Date of Birth: August 19, 1981

Flora Con Artist Convicted of Stealing more than $12,000 from an Elderly Woman

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Dewayne Carlos Small was convicted by a jury for vulnerable adult exploitation after stealing more than $12,000 from an 80-year-old-victim.  It took the jury less than 35 minutes to reach its unanimous verdict.  Small was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.  He was sentenced as a non-violent habitual offender and will serve his sentence day-for-day without the possibility of parole, probation or early release. 

On December 6, 2017, Flora law enforcement responded to the home of the victim, following a phone call from her son, regarding more than $12,000 missing from her checking account.  When law enforcement arrived, he noticed Dewayne Small was also at the residence.  The son explained to law enforcement that his mother attempted to transfer money to his account to find she did not have the funds to do so. 

Upon further investigation by the son of the victim and the victim, they found more than seventeen checks written to Small and later found checks written to his girlfriend.  The elderly victim suffered from memory loss and did not remember the transactions.

Law enforcement began investigating the matter and determined that Small had been hired to cut down several trees, bamboo, and shrubs on the victim’s property.  However, the yard work was not completed.  During the investigation, Region’s Bank was able to provide still video of Small cashing the victim’s checks at several of their branches to avoid suspicion and they provided copies of the checks.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Small is nothing less than a career con artist who preyed on an elderly woman who simply wanted yard work completed and ended up losing all of her money at the hands of Small.  His criminal career started in 2006 in South Carolina, but ended last week in Madison County.  He will now spend the next decade incarcerated with the Mississippi Department of Corrections for cheating a Madison County resident.”

Bramlett concluded, “Flora law enforcement did an outstanding job of helping remove a con artist from our streets and we are very thankful for the assistance provided by Region’s Bank.”

Rankin County Man to Serve 30 Years for Second Degree Murder

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that John Preston Finch will serve thirty years in prison for second degree murder, day-for-day, for murdering Amy Renee Stewart on December 31, 2016, by shooting her in the chest with a single barrel 12 gauge shotgun.

On December 31, 2016, Rankin County law enforcement officials responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting on Chain Lain in the Walters Community.  The first official arrived to find the front door ajar and Finch standing over the body on a couch in the living room.  The official asked Finch to show him where the weapon was located and he took him into the master bedroom and produced a single barrel 12 gauge shotgun.  The official then detained Finch on the porch while he secured the weapon in his patrol car.

Other officials arrived to find Finch covered in large amounts of coagulated blood and to be intoxicated.  A gunshot residue test was also completed.  He was arrested and interviewed at the Rankin County Sheriff’s office. 

Although Finch first stated that the gun went off by accident, he later recanted by telling law enforcement that he and Stewart got into an argument over heating a pizza and he shot her. He recounted to officials that he and Stewart were arguing when he went into the bedroom, picked up the murder weapon, walked back into the living room, pointed the gun at Stewart and shot her.  He also admitted to owning the murder weapon.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Finch is a hot-tempered murderer.  Because of his actions, an innocent life was taken.  He will spend every day of the next thirty years in a Mississippi prison.” 

District Attorney Bramlett added, “This is a senseless killing that resulted because of an argument over heating a pizza.  We sometimes forget that human life is precious and that once a decision to take the life of another is made that action can never be reversed.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “Rankin County Law Enforcement officials did an outstanding job of making sure my office had the tools to send a murderer to prison.  They should be commended for the outstanding and professional job they do on a daily basis.”

Rankin Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Sexual Battery Involving a Minor

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Robert Lee McLaurin was sentenced to serve 20 years in jail for sexual battery involving a 17-year-old minor.  He will have to serve his sentence day-for-day and register with the Mississippi Sexual Offender Registry.

On August 21, 2017, the Brandon Police Department responded to an apartment building in Brandon following a call that a minor had been sexually assaulted.  When officers arrived, they were told by the caller that she walked into the kitchen to see a minor being pushed up against the sink by Robert Lee McLaurin.

McLaurin fled on foot, but was caught by officers and arrested.

Officers interviewed the victim and then escorted her to Blair E. Batson Hospital where medical personnel conducted a Sexual Assault Kit. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “There will be strong consequences for those who commit sexually battery against a child.  The laws of our society govern a process by which these dangerous and sick individuals will spend decades behind bars and now McLaurin can count himself amongst those.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “McLaurin used his position of trust to commit a heinous and terrible crime against a child.  He has now been stopped and will go to prison for a very long time and will always be known as a sexual predator.”