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.”

Madison County Drug Dealer Receives 40-Year Sentence

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Jeremiah Kelly was sentenced to 40 years for trafficking a controlled substance.  Kelly will not be eligible for early release and will have to serve his sentence day-for-day.  His arrest netted marijuana, cocaine, weapons, more than $150,000 in cash and a ledger of those who purchased drugs from him in the past.

In December 2017, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office heard several recorded conversations between Kelly and an inmate regarding a shipment of drugs that was arriving and how to receive and distribute them.  Deputies kept Kelly under surveillance for several days until the shipment arrived.

Deputies executed warrants on several houses in Canton where they found drugs, money and guns.  Kelly was at one of the locations, where deputies found him in the master bedroom.  He was arrested without incident.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “This is an example of outstanding work done by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.  They should be applauded for all of the work they did in removing a major drug dealer from our streets.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “Removing Kelly from our society, which could be for the rest of his life, is removing one more major drug dealer from our community who seeks to sell their illegal and dangerous drugs to kids and others.  As we have learned over many decades, drugs are a major component to other crimes.  We simply will not tolerate drug dealers attempting to take over Madison and Rankin Counties.  Law enforcement, judges and prosecutors will stand firm and united against people like Kelly.”

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 departments 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 scam or any other scam in which someone you do not know asks for personal information or banking information. 

If you feel you have fallen victim to this missed jury duty scam or any other telephone scam, please report the incident to 601.825.1472.

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Rankin County Toy Store Robber Sentenced To Forty Years In Prison

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Erik Lamar Lewis was sentenced to 40 years for Armed Robbery of a Flowood toy store.  Lewis has two prior felony convictions for armed robbery and will not be eligible for early release or parole.  Lewis will serve the next 40 years day-for-day in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

On October 27, 2017, Lewis entered a toy store in the Dogwood commercial area of Flowood, produced a gun and demanded money from the owner.  The Flowood Police Department’s quick response and investigation recovered critical video surveillance of the individual and a description of the suspected get-away vehicle. On November 5, 2017, while on routine patrol a Flowood Police Officer spotted a vehicle matching the description in the Dogwood commercial area and investigated the vehicle.

The owner of the vehicle was determined to be Lewis who was a kitchen employee of an area restaurant.  Lewis was located and detained.  A search of the vehicle revealed items used during the robbery including the gun and clothing that matched the suspect in the video surveillance.  Lewis was arrested.  Law enforcement prepared a photo line up and the toy store owner positively identified Lewis as the robber.  Enhanced still images of the robbery from the video surveillance also revealed is was Lewis.  When questioned by Flowood Police Officers Lewis made several incriminating statements regarding the robbery.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “Lewis is a violent criminal who will now spend his next forty years in prison.  This was his third armed robbery; there won’t be a fourth.  We will not tolerate violent criminals who prey upon our citizens.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “I commend the outstanding work of the Flowood Police Department throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case. Their hard work resulted in a violent and habitual criminal being removed from our streets.”

Teaonta Clark Sentenced to Forty Years for Armed Robbery That Resulted in Death of 13-year-old Boy

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today Teaonta Jymon Clark will spend the next forty years in prison after an armed robbery which resulted in a father being shot and his 13-year-old son being murdered.

On October 27, 2014 Tony Clark and his nephew, Teaonta Clark, entered the Fat Boys convenience store with the intentions of robbing the store.  Tony Clark pulled a gun and shot both the store owner, Fahd Saeed, and his son, Muhammed Saeed.  Muhammed died on scene of his injuries.  Both Tony and Teaonta Clark fled the state shortly after the murder and armed robbery but were brought back to Mississippi to face various charges. 

On September 21, 2018, a jury unanimously voted on the death penalty for Tony Clark. Teoanta Clark pled guilty to armed robbery on December 10, 2018 and sentencing was set for today.  Judge John Emfinger sentenced Clark to forty years to serve.  That time will be served without the chance for early release or parole.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “These were the actions of two selfish criminals who needlessly and cruelly took the life of a 13 year old child in the hopes of a quick pay day.  I am grateful for the hard work of the Canton Police Department in investigating this awful crime.  While no amount of prison time can bring back Muhammed for his family, we hope that today’s sentence, in addition to the death penalty sentence for Tony  Clark, will  bring much needed closure.  Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Saeed family.”

Madison Man Found Guilty of Gratification of Lust

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Tracy Cornelius Ellis was found guilty by a Madison County jury for Gratification of Lust. Sentencing is scheduled for March.

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, “Ellis is a sick individual who used his position of trust to prey upon young girls. These children, who are now unfortunately victims of a heinous and sick crime, did have the courage to tell authorities what Ellis was doing to them even in light of the threats he had made.”

District Attorney Bramlett concluded, “These little girls, law enforcement, prosecutors, members of the jury, and the judge have removed a dangerous child predator from our streets. I hope the verdict will bring some closure to the family.”

In addition to the pending sentence, Ellis will be required to register with the Mississippi Sexual Offender Registry.

Defendant:

Name: Tracy Cornelius Ellis

Address: 831 Rice Road, Ridgeland

Date of Birth: August 8, 1981

Former city clerk served with indictments in ongoing Canton voter fraud investigation

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – There are new developments in the ongoing voter fraud investigation in Canton.

It has been confirmed that former city clerk Valerie Smith–who were are told retired in December after 23 years on the job–was served Wednesday with three separate indictments for violation of voter registration statues.

According to the indictment, Smith willfully and unlawfully refused or neglected to perform her duties regarding the registration of voters.

More charges were brought against Courtney Rainey, a Canton School Board member and the City’s Director of Human and Cultural Needs, earlier this week. She, along with Alderman Andrew Grant, was charged with voter fraud and conspiracy to commit voter fraud.

Madison and Rankin County District Attorney, John K. Bramlett, Jr. issued a statement Wednesday evening. He says in the past week, three additional sets of indictments have been issued and have been served by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for allegations of voter fraud, conspiracy and violation of voter registration statutes.

These indictments are in addition to those who were served in December 2018. He also says in the statement, “several individuals have recently been served with indictments resulting from an investigation into allegations of voter fraud in Madison County. Each indictment speaks for itself. This Office will not tolerate individuals who seek to undermine the integrity of our election process, and those who engage in voter fraud or related criminal activities will be prosecuted.”

Read full article at WLBT

Bramlett on Role as District Attorney

John K. Bramlett Jr. was recently appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant as District Attorney for the 20th Circuit Court District, which includes Madison and Rankin counties. He replaces Michael Guest, who was elected to the U.S. Congress. Bramlett has served as an assistant district attorney in the 20th Circuit Court District since 2015. The Madison resident holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Mississippi and a juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law. Bramlett recently spoke with Sun staff reporter Nikki Rowell about his appointment as district attorney.

Read full article at The Northside Sun