Therapy Dog Joins Madison-Rankin DA’s Office

Rankin, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced the addition of a new therapy dog, Marshmallow, to his staff. Marshmallow is an 11-month-old English Cream Golden Retriever who will work alongside office staff to comfort and serve children and other victims who visit the District Attorney's Office. 

Specially trained therapy dogs provide comfort and support to people in various tense environments. They can help people feel at ease, improve their mood, relieve anxiety, and remove social barriers. Therapy dogs are highly trained and certified to show their ability to work in stressful environments, ignore distractions, and provide therapy to people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances. 

"I want to thank Katrinna Miller and her organization, Mississippi Therapy Animals, for their amazing generosity in providing and trusting our office with Marshmallow’s care and continued training," said District Attorney Bramlett. "In a time where mental health awareness is on the rise, Marshmallow will serve a huge role in comforting victims and family members who, often due to no fault of their own, find themselves in our office in an unfamiliar situation. Marshmallow has already had a noticeable effect in the short time he's been coming to work,” stated Bramlett. 

For more information on Mississippi Therapy Animals, including how you can volunteer, please visit their Facebook page or website, www.ustherapyanimals.com. 

---

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE: Madison Man Sentenced for Aggravated Assault on Father in Law

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that John Garran Saxton was sentenced by Judge Bradley Mills for hitting his father-in-law in the head with a baseball bat. Saxton was convicted after a jury trial on October 26, 2022 of one count of aggravated assault. Judge Mills ordered Saxton to serve twenty years with the last two years being suspended leaving 18 years to serve. 

On August 24, 2021 the Madison County Sheriff’s Department was called to a home in the Ashbrooke subdivision regarding a domestic incident. Upon arrival they found a 62 year old man lying on the ground with a severe head would. Saxton, the victim’s son in law, had first slapped his mother in law and then pulled a gun on the victim and attacked him with a bat. Pafford transported the man to the hospital where he had skull fractures and suffered permanent hearing loss in both ears. 

During a sentencing hearing held this morning, the victim of the assault and his daughter, who was married to Saxton at the time, spoke and pleaded for the substantial prison time for the assault. They described Saxton’s prior domestic violence and anger issues as well as highlighting the permanent injuries suffered by the victim. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “This is a great example of the importance of jurors showing up for trial. This is a dangerous man who had a history of domestic violence which ultimately ended up with him seriously assaulting his father-in-law. Both the guilty verdict and 18 year sentence ensure that this family will not have to endure his violent outbursts anymore as well as punishing him for his actions.” 

---

DEFENDANT:

JOHN GARRAN SAXTON

DOB: May 09, 1989 

Canton Teen Sentenced for Murder on I-55 Outside Renaissance Shopping Center

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Marcus Luckett, Jr. was sentenced for the 2021 murder of Lakender Francis. 

On April 24, 2021, Marcus Luckett, Jr. who was 15 at the time, followed a vehicle from Canton into Ridgeland on I-55. While passing the Renaissance Mall, Luckett fired shots at the vehicle striking and killing Lakender Francis, 16, and wounding Kaiden Thomas, 19. Information obtained during the investigation indicated that there was an ongoing dispute between Luckett and the victim including an incident a month prior in which Luckett himself was shot. Police believed that was the motive for this killing. 

Luckett pled guilty to one count of second degree murder. A sentencing hearing was conducted this morning in the Madison County Circuit Court. Representatives from both the victim and Defendant’s families spoke at the hearing. Ultimately, Judge Mills ordered Luckett to serve forty years to be released after serving the first twenty eight years without the possibility of parole or early release. Luckett will be on five years of supervised probation upon his release. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated after the sentencing, “This is yet another example of teens committing violent crimes against other teens. In this situation, there are no winners. Both families lost a son on that fateful day because one was murdered and the other will be in prison for the next 28 years. We are thankful for the Ridgeland Police Department for the thorough investigation into this matter so that the Francis family could get closure. I hope that this case and sentence will send a message to stop the violence that is currently plaguing the teenagers in our communities.” 

---

DEFENDANT:

MARCUS LUCKETT, JR.

DOB: 08/19/2005 

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE: Madison County Foster Parent Sentenced to Twenty Five Years for Sexual Battery of Child

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Michael Anthony Lee was sentenced for the sexual battery of his foster daughter. Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills sentenced Lee to serve twenty five years without the possibility of parole or early release. Lee will have to register as a sex offender upon his release. 

Lee pleaded guilty to Sexual Battery of his foster daughter on January 17, 2023. Lee, 41, was living in Canton with his wife. They were licensed foster parents through Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services when the 15 year old child was placed in their home. Shortly after her placement, Michael Anthony Lee began engaging in sexual contact with the victim. The abuse continued throughout the victim's six month placement in Lee's home. 

Chloe Turner, a CPS social worker, discovered the communications between the victim and Lee after the child was moved to another foster family in north Mississippi. Law enforcement was immediately notified, and a joint investigation was initiated involving both CPS and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators executed a search warrant on Lee’s phone and found pornographic images of the victim on his phone. 

The CPS investigative specialist spoke along with Assistant District Attorney Katie Moulds at the sentencing hearing. Both called for the Court to give Lee the maximum sentence and reminded the Court that the Defendant had proactively put himself in his position as a foster parent so that he could have access to minor children. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “We would like to extend a special appreciation to Chloe Turner with Child Protective Services. Her dedication to the children in CPS’s care showed in this case as she immediately took steps to save this child’s life. We are pleased this Defendant will spend the next twenty-five years in prison.” 

---

DEFENDANT:   

MICHAEL ANTHONY LEE

DOB: 01/01/1982

RANKIN COUNTY TAKES GIANT STEP TOWARDS EXPEDITING THE PROSECUTION OF FELONY DRUG CASES

Rankin, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that the Rankin County Board of Supervisors has committed to fully fund a forensic scientist to the Mississippi Forensic Laboratory to provide forensic analysis of drugs collected within Rankin County.

“This partnership is the direct result of some ‘outside-the-box’ thinking by our outstanding leadership within Rankin County along with the full cooperation of Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindall and his team. Rankin County‘s adjudication process for drug-related felonies will become more efficient than ever before. The state’s backlog of cases will decrease as a result of the Rankin County cases being handled by a separate forensic scientist. It’s a win-win situation for Rankin County and the State of Mississippi.“

Bramlett continued, “Our courts’ dockets will move faster, and arrested individuals will not sit in our jail for extended periods of time awaiting drug identification, quality and quantity. Their cases will be resolved quickly. If they need to go to prison, we will send them on their way. If rehabilitation and recovery assistance is warranted, we will get them on the road to rehabilitation and recovery quicker. Our jail will be less crowded and, over time, our county will save millions of dollars.”

Commissioner Sean Tindall stated, “I anticipate more opportunities like this will rise in other counties across our state in the future.“

This program will begin immediately. “We are not talking the talk here; we are walking the walk. Actually, we are hitting the ground running ,” said Bramlett. “I thank everyone involved with making this partnership a reality, including our Sheriff Bryan Bailey and the Board of Supervisors for always making the safety of our citizens priority number one.”

---

Local and State officials announce partnership between Rankin County and Mississippi Forensics Lab.

Louisiana Man Receives 25 Years for Theft and Destruction of Recreational Vehicle

Rankin, MS- Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that 42-year-old Christopher William Oldenburg of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was convicted of Motor Vehicle Theft and Felony Malicious Mischief in Pearl. Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff sentenced Oldenburg to 25 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

A Pearl resident stored her 40-foot recreational vehicle at a storage facility in Pearl for safekeeping while not in use. Around 6 p.m. on June 6, 2022, the RV owner received a phone call from the storage facility informing her that whoever had removed her RV from the facility had damaged the fence and gate. The owner was surprised and told the storage facility employee that she had not authorized anyone to use the RV or remove it from the storage facility. As a result, the RV owner contacted the Pearl Police Department to report the RV as stolen. An employee of the storage facility called the Pearl Police Department to report the theft and damage. Description of the RV and suspect were also relayed to the Pearl Police Department.

Witnesses said that they had last seen the RV traveling on Highway 80 not long after leaving the storage facility. Officers scoured the area, checking multiple streets, locations, and businesses, looking for the RV and the suspect. While some officers were looking for the suspect, other officers returned to the storage facility and were able to get photos of the thief from surveillance video.

Within 15 minutes of the reported theft and malicious mischief, the heavily damaged RV was spotted abandoned at the Pearl Walmart. Pearl officers converged at Walmart to search for the thief. Officers reviewed the Walmart security footage and determined that the suspect had not entered the store, so officers continued to search the area. Finally, at 7:15 p.m., a Pearl officer approached a white male that matched the description given by witnesses. Christopher William Oldenburg was identified and taken into custody. A background search of Oldenburg revealed he had multiple felony convictions in Louisiana.

Detectives with Pearl Police continued to investigate and gather evidence. They returned to the storage facility, where they photographed the fence and gate that were heavily damaged when Oldenburg was leaving the facility. Officers also retrieved and reviewed security video that showed the damage and identified Oldenburg as the person who stole the RV. Officers processed the RV and obtained more evidence that implicated Oldenburg. The RV was subsequently determined to be a total loss. The RV and storage facility's damage was well over $25,000.00.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, "Oldenburg made a mistake when he decided to continue his life of crime in Rankin County. As I've said before, we want the message to be clear; Do not come to Rankin County to steal. I sincerely hope this is the end of Oldenburg's life of crime and that the sentence will encourage others not to steal things in Rankin County."

Bramlett added, "We would like to thank the Pearl Police Department for their quick response to this crime. The excellent and efficient work of the detectives and patrol officers led to the quick arrest of Oldenburg. However, the officer's work didn't stop at the arrest. They continued to gather all available evidence to help bring this thief to justice. The thorough and tireless law enforcement work enabled our office to secure this conviction."

---

DEFENDANT:

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM OLDENBURG

DOB: 1/30/1987

Texas Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl

Rankin, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on January 18, 2023, 28-year-old Carlos Martinez of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty to trafficking fentanyl. Judge Steve Ratcliff ordered Martinez to serve ten years, day for day, in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.

On April 25, 2022, a Rankin County Sheriff’s Department deputy stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Carlos Martinez for a traffic violation on Interstate 20. Upon approaching the car, the deputy smelled marijuana. While looking in the SUV and checking on the female and infant occupants, the deputy saw that the back panel of the front passenger seat was lying on the floor. Additionally, the deputy observed two large packages wrapped in electrical tape protruding from the altered seat and a few blue M30 pills on the floor. Further investigation revealed that the packages contained over 10,000 counterfeit blue M30 pills.

The deputy arrested Martinez for trafficking and turned the pills over for analysis to the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory. They determined that the pills were indeed counterfeit oxycodone that contained Fentanyl. As a result, a Rankin County Grand Jury indicted Martinez on July 18, 2022, for Aggravated Trafficking.

District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr. stated, “Carlos Martinez chose to traffic the very drug I have repeatedly warned our community about—the deadly blue M30 pill. This pill is passed off as oxycodone but is actually lethal Fentanyl. Martinez’s actions are precisely how this poison gets into the hands of the citizens of this county, whether they are unsuspecting drug addicts or curious novices. We hope this is the end of Martinez’s criminal behavior and that this sentence will discourage others from choosing to make easy money by trafficking poison in and through our country, state, and county.”

Bramlett added, “We would like to thank the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, the Homeland Security task force, and other officers that were able to get this sizable amount of poison off our streets, thus sparing several lives. The diligent work of law enforcement shed light on the players in this dangerous enterprise but also enabled our office to secure a conviction against Martinez.”

---

DEFENDANT:

CARLOS MARTINEZ

DOB: 12/13/1994

Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Battery and Will Serve Twenty Years

Rankin, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that James Allen Enochs was sentenced to 25 years for Sexual Battery by Circuit Court Judge Steve Ratcliff.

Enochs, 32, will serve 20 years of his sentence in prison, day for day, before being placed on post-release supervision for five years. In addition, he must register as a sex offender and will have no contact with his victim.

On February 21, 2021, the Rankin County Sheriff's Department received a complaint from the victim's daughter stating the defendant sexually abused her mother. It was reported that the abuse took place at the victim's home in Florence. The victim knew her assailant through her adult son.

The Rankin County Sheriff's Department interviewed the victim and had an examination conducted at St. Dominic's Hospital. She disclosed that the defendant entered her home and sexually assaulted her against her will. The defendant was interviewed and denied all allegations. However, the exam results processed at the Mississippi State Crime Lab revealed the defendant's DNA was found on the victim.

Mr. Enochs was indicted as a violent habitual offender, meaning he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted at trial. However, rather than proceed to trial, Enochs pled guilty on January 17, 2023. He was sentenced to 25 years for sexual battery. He will be required to serve 20 years in prison, day for day.

District Attorney Bramlett stated, "It takes great courage to come forward and report this type of crime. We commend the victim's daughter for taking action. The Rankin County Sheriff's Department did an excellent job with their investigation to quickly apprehend this defendant. We hope this plea and sentence give closure to the victim and her family."

---

DEFENDANT:

JAMES ALLEN ENOCHS

DOB: 01/20/1990

Madison County Foster Parent Pleads Guilty to Sexual Battery of Child

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Michael Anthony Lee pleaded guilty to Sexual Battery of his foster daughter. Lee, 41, was living in Canton with his wife. They were licensed foster parents through Mississippi Department of Human Services when the 15 year old child was placed in their home. Shortly after her placement, Michael Anthony Lee began engaging in sexual contact with the victim. The abuse continued throughout the victim's six month placement in Lee's home. It was discovered after the child was moved to another foster family in north Mississippi. The new foster parent discovered that Lee had sent sexually explicit text messages to the victim.

Child Protective Services was immediately notified, and a joint investigation was initiated involving both CPS and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators executed a search warrant on Lee’s phone on found pornographic images of the victim on his phone.

Michael Anthony Lee faces up to 30 years on the charge of Sexual Battery, all of which will be served day-for-day. He will not be eligible for early release or parole on this charge. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Lee will be sentenced on January 31, 2023 by Circuit Judge Bradley Mills.

District Attorney Bramlett stated “Children in our foster system have already had to deal with so much. For a foster parent to then sexually abuse a child in their care is beyond horrible. I commend CPS, the Madison Sheriff’s Office, and the assistant district attorneys in our office for their outstanding work on this case which resulted in this guilty plea. I applaud the courage and strength of this child. The District Attorney’s Office will be seeking the maximum sentence of thirty years for this criminal.”

---

DEFENDANT:   

MICHAEL ANTHONY LEE

DOB: 01/01/1982

Canton Man Convicted for Sexually Assaulting Woman at Gunpoint

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Dottie Maurice Griffin pleaded guilty to Sexual Battery and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Madison County Circuit Court Monday, November 14, 2022. Griffin was sentenced to serve 30 years without the possibility of parole in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the charges.

On December 16, 2021, Griffin was a guest at the America’s Best Value Inn in Canton, MS. He attacked a member of the housekeeping staff at the Econo Lodge, which is located next door, while she was cleaning a hotel room. Griffin demanded money from her at gunpoint and raped her before fleeing the hotel. The staff member contacted law enforcement who developed Griffin as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage from Econo Lodge and America’s Best Value Inn.

The next day law enforcement officers discovered Griffin hiding out in a room at the Budget Inn in Canton. He was booked under a false name. They were able to find the clothing Griffin had been wearing, the gun used in the attack, and Griffin’s other personal effects by searching his rooms at each hotel.  Griffin had hidden the gun in the ceiling of the Budget Inn room. DNA evidence found on the victim confirmed Griffin was her attacker.

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated: “Random acts of violence are some of the scariest crimes we see. Canton Police Department did an excellent job with their investigation to quickly apprehend this defendant. We hope this plea and sentence give some closure to the victim, having endured such terror.”

Griffin’s 30 year sentence will be served day-for-day because it is a sex offense. Upon release, Griffin will be required to Register as a Sex Offender.

---

DEFENDANT:

DOTTIE MAURICE GRIFFIN             

DOB: 08/31/1988

###

---

Download press release.

Madison Man Convicted of Murder and Drug Trafficking

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Johnnie Harris, Jr. pled guilty to second degree murder and trafficking in controlled substances and was sentenced to serve thirty years without the possibility of early release or parole for each count.

On May 7, 2021 officers were called to a Canton hotel for a report of a deceased woman in a room.  Takoria “LuLu” Brown, 38, had been shot multiple times and was discovered by hotel cleaning staff.  When officers arrived at the hotel room, they discovered that the room had been rented by Johnnie Harris, Jr.  Surveillance tapes also showed Harris at the hotel room with Brown that night and leaving alone in the morning.  Brown was never again seen on any surveillance tapes after initially entering the room.  After obtaining a search warrant for the hotel room, officers located over 500 pills containing methamphetamine amongst Harris’s belongings that were still in the room.  

District Attorney Bramlett stated “We appreciate the work done by the Mississippi Department of Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Canton Police Department that allowed our office to obtain a guilty plea in this matter.  Ms. Brown’s family is thankful to avoid a trial in this matter and also to see justice for LuLu.”

---

DEFENDANT:

JOHNNIE HARRIS, JR.              

DOB: 11/14/1985

###

---

Download press release.

Madison Man Convicted of Aggravated Assault on Father-In-Law

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that John Garran Saxton was convicted after a jury trial of aggravated assault for hitting his father in law in the head with a baseball bat. 

On August 24, 2021 the Madison County Sheriff’s Department was called to a home in the Ashbrooke subdivision regarding a domestic incident. Upon arrival they found a 62 year old man lying on the ground with a severe head would. Saxton, the victim’s son in law, had first slapped his mother in law and then pulled a gun on the victim and attacked him with a bat. Pafford transported the man to the hospital where he had skull fractures and suffered permanent hearing loss in both ears. 

The assault on the female victim was a misdemeanor handled through Madison County Justice Court. However, the male victim’s injuries and the use of the bat elevated those charges to a felony offense. He will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum sentence of twenty years to serve. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated “This situation quickly spun out of control for the victim and his wife due to the aggressive and violent nature of the Defendant. Violence within the family is an unfortunate issue we see too often in our office. I am so thankful for both the Sheriff’s Department for investigating the case and the jurors of Madison County who showed up for jury duty. Our judicial system cannot continue to keep our residents safe without dedicated law enforcement and citizens who are willing to serve on juries.” 

---

DEFENDANT:

JOHN GARAN SAXTON                 

DOB: 05/09/1989

###

---

Download press release.

Jackson Teens Sentenced for Pair of Ridgeland Car Jackings in Multi-City Crime Spree

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that Karmello Gaines, Ti’Jerrical Thornton and Deterrious Williams have each been sentenced for their roles in a carjacking crime spree that spanned multiple towns last year. 

On August 29, 2021, Ridgeland Police Department responded to a carjacking at a gas station on Lake Harbor Drive. The victim, an employee at the gas station, stated two masked men with guns forced her away from her car and stole it. The two men were followed out of the gas station by another vehicle driven by a female. Using the location data from the victim’s phone, officers were able to track the stolen car to Clinton. 

While in Clinton, the trio carjacked another car and went back to Ridgeland. They carjacked a third victim at the Residence Inn and led officers on a highspeed chase into Jackson where officers lost sight of them. That same night, the group carjacked and fired shots at a fourth victim in Terry as well as carjacking a fifth car in Byram. 

Through a multi-jurisdictional operation, officers identified the main gunman as Karmello Gaines, who was 16 at the time. He was accompanied each time by Deterrious Williams, then 15, and Ti’Jerrical Thornton, 17. Officers were able to confirm the shell casings from where the gunman fired shots at the Terry carjacking victim were from the same gun found on Gaines at the time of his arrest. All evidence indicated that Williams was responsible for driving the stolen cars from each crime scene, and Thornton drove the two men to the carjackings so that they could leave in a newly stolen car. 

All three individuals pled guilty to two counts of armed carjacking for the acts occurring in Madison County. Both Williams and Thornton pled early in the prosecution and agreed to testify against Gaines if necessary. Williams was sentenced to 17 years in custody. Thornton was sentenced to ten years to serve. Gaines, who originally elected to go to trial, but later pled guilty in front of Judge Dewey Arthur was sentenced to thirty years to serve for his role as the ringleader of the criminal enterprise. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated “These three teenagers came into Madison County, not once but twice, with the sole intent of carjacking innocent people at gun point. They then went and terrorized the citizens of Clinton, Terry, and Byram. We are so grateful that the various police departments were able to work together quickly and effectively to quickly capture them and prevent anyone from getting seriously hurt. Armed carjackings, armed robberies, or any other crimes perpetrated with the use of a gun will not be tolerated in Madison and Rankin Counties. Please be aware of this … our office will continue to send offenders to prison for lengthy sentences, no matter their age, for violent offenses such as these.” 

---

DEFENDANT:

KARMELLO GAINES                  

DOB: 07/15/2005

---

DEFENDANT:

Deterrious M. Williams                      

DOB: 02/23/2006

---

DEFENDANT:

TI’JERRICAL THORNTON                      

DOB: 02/28/2004

###

---

Download press release.

Final Man Sentenced in Ridgeland Home Invasion

Madison County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced today that Jordan Collins., 24, of Jackson, was sentenced by Judge Bradley Mills after being found guilty by a jury of multiple offenses including kidnapping, aggravated assault, armed carjacking and conspiracy. The judge sentenced him to serve a total of forty years for the various offenses. 

This concluded the more than two year investigation and prosecution of six individuals involved in an elaborate scheme to rob an elderly couple living in the Country Club of Jackson and their adult son who resided in Ridgeland. 

In mid-2020, Samuel Young was incarcerated in the Marshall County Correctional Facility with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Young had been previously convicted of sexual battery as a violent habitual offender and sentenced to life out of the Madison County Circuit Court. While incarcerated, he started an online affair with Ridgeland resident Debra Cameron. At the time Cameron was the long-time live-in girlfriend of the adult son. 

Young and Cameron devised a plan where they would contract out a home invasion on the son and his elderly parents to steal expensive jewelry, credit cards, and bank account information from both houses. Young contacted David Mitchell, who was also being housed in the Marshall County Correctional Facility to set up the individuals who would do the robberies. 

On June 4, 2022, Desmond Jones dropped Jordan Collins and Kneefe Miller off at the son’s Ridgeland home. Debra Cameron was expecting them and left the back door unlocked so that they could get into the house. After entering the home, Collins and Miller pulled guns on the victim and forced him to give them cash and the keys to his vehicle. They then put him in his car at gunpoint and began to drive off. The victim was able to escape from the moving vehicle and called police. 

While police were on scene in Ridgeland at the victim’s residence, they received word that his elderly parents had also been the victims of an armed home invasion at their Jackson home. The couple had been awaked by two gunmen entering their home and zip tying them at gunpoint. The two masked gunmen then stole several pieces of jewelry and their vehicle. 

Through an extensive joint investigation with the Ridgeland Police Department and the Jackson Police Department, officers were able to identify multiple individuals involved in the planned home invasions. All but Collins pled guilty to various crimes associated with the incidents. Collins elected to go to trial. After a three-day trial, which included testimony of several co-defendants and the victim as well as multiple individuals’ cell phone location data, the jury found Collins guilty of all charges. 

He was sentenced in Madison Circuit Court by Judge Mills to serve forty years for his offenses. 

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, “This is one of those cases that seems like it was something out of a movie. It is one of the most complicated and sophisticated schemes I have seen with the origin beginning from behind the bars of a MDOC prison facility. We are truly sorry the victims had to endure the terror these individuals put them through and are glad we were able to successfully prosecute each and every one of them. The Ridgeland and Jackson Police Departments put countless hours into the investigation and apprehension of each of the men and women involved in this matter and assured there was plenty of evidence so that each one would go to prison for their involvement. We hope that by convicting the final defendant in the Madison case, the victims can continue to heal and close this horrible chapter in their lives.” 

---

DEFENDANT:

JORDAN COLLINS                      

DOB: 03/24/1998

---

DEFENDANT:

KNEEFE MILLER                      

DOB: 01/11/1999

---

DEFENDANT:

SAM YOUNG                      

DOB: 12/14/1987

---

DEFENDANT:

DEBRA CAMERON                  

DOB: 12/12/1961

---

DEFENDANT:

DAVID BRADFORD MITCHELL                      

DOB: 05/12/1994

---

DEFENDANT:

DESMOND JONES                    

DOB: 04/01/1991

###

---

Download press release.

West Speaks to Rankin County Leaders, Law Enforcement, and Offenders

Rankin County, MS – Rankin and Madison District Attorney John K. Bramlett’s office sponsored multiple events on September 20, 2022. The DA’s office brought internationally known speaker and author Damon West to share his story with diverse audiences across Rankin County. 

The morning began with West speaking to a room full of Rankin County community leaders. Later he shared his message with law enforcement officers from around the state who were attending the Blue to Gold law enforcement training conference sponsored by the DA’s Office, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, and other local businesses and leaders. 

During the afternoon, West spoke to participants in the District Attorney’s Pretrial Intervention Program before speaking to Twentieth Circuit Drug Court participants. He ended the day talking with trusties in the Rankin County Adult Detention Center. 

The inspirational story of his roller-coaster life: having it all with great loving parents, being a D1 college starting quarterback, working for a Presidential Candidate and stockbroker, to living on the streets as a crystal meth addict and a burglar can relate across all sides of the law. 

West discussed his life as a ringleader of burglary crimes in Dallas, Texas, that left his victims out of tens of thousands of dollars and him with a life sentence of 65 years in a Texas maximum-security prison. When speaking with law enforcement, he focused on how if they weren’t careful, their hearts would quickly harden because of their demanding jobs. When speaking with those currently incarcerated in the Rankin County Adult Detention Center, he focused on how prison was not a punishment but rather an opportunity to better themselves before being released. Finally, he related to the inmates and talked about how he is on parole until 2073, so he too must fight his addiction daily, and he cannot make even one mistake that would lead him back to prison to finish serving his life sentence. 

Regardless of the audience, West left everyone with the same message that they should all live servant leadership lives. In addition, he encouraged everyone to “Be A Coffee Bean,” which is the lesson he learned in prison and carries out into the world today to make a difference in the lives of others. 

“We were all blessed by Damon West’s inspiring story,” stated Bramlett. “He is a true coffee bean changing the environment around him and making this world a better place, one day at a time. We are grateful he joined us in sharing his inspirational message to each of these groups as we all work to better serve Rankin County and its citizens.” 

To learn more about West’s fascinating story or to purchase The Coffee Bean, The Change Agent or any of his other books, visit www.damonwest.org. 

### 

---

---

Download press release.

Rankin County Jury Finds Man Guilty of Sexual Battery

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney John K. Bramlett, Jr., announced that Jayson Tamayo Galang, Jr., 32, of Brandon, was found guilty of one count of sexual battery by a Rankin County jury. As a result, Galang will be sentenced by Judge Dewey Arthur on November 7, 2022. He faces up to thirty years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.

On July 28, 2021, the Flowood Police Department received a call from Merit Health River Oaks regarding a sexual assault victim. The victim reported she knew Galang and that he had forced himself into her residence and sexually assaulted her.  

The Flowood Police interviewed the victim and Galang and took photos from the crime scene. The victim had a sexual assault examination performed at the hospital and a kit was administered and sent to the Mississippi Crime Lab for processing.

The Rankin County jury heard from the victim, the victim’s friend who spoke to her on the evening of the assault, a Flowood detective, the nurse practitioner who performed the sexual assault examination, and the forensic scientist with the Mississippi Crime Lab. In addition, the jury was shown a video of the defendant’s interview with the police.

After hearing the two-day testimony, the jury found Galang guilty of one count of sexual battery. The potential penalty is zero to thirty years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. In addition, Galang will have to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim. Any sentence imposed on Galang will be served day-for-day without the possibility of parole or early release.

“This case is an example of everyone doing their part to help provide services and justice to the victim,” stated District Attorney Bramlett. “Thank you to the nurse, the hospital, the Flowood Police Department, the forensic scientist at the Mississippi Crime Lab, and the Rankin County citizens who served on the jury. Our office will continue to zealously prosecute these violent crimes.”

###

---

JAYSON TAMAYO GALANG, JR.                       

DOB: 02/16/1990

---

Download press release.

Armed Teen Carjackers Sentenced

Madison County, MS – Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced today that a group of Jackson area teens has been prosecuted and sentenced for their part in a Ridgeland armed carjacking. Demyrin Williams, 18, Montavious Wilson, 19, and Jakobe Young, 15, pled guilty and were sentenced in Madison County Circuit Court.

On June 14, 2021, Ridgeland Police Department responded to the Mark Apartments at approximately 6 a.m. in regards to a carjacking. The victim reported that he was sitting in his car waiting on an Uber to pick him up and take him to the airport.  While waiting, he was approached by two young, armed males who each pointed a gun at his head, threatened to kill him, and demanded his 2017 Honda Civic. The victim also stated that the suspects were dropped off by an individual in a white Acura SUV which followed his stolen Honda from the scene.  The Ridgeland Police Department found the white Acura SUV shortly after the carjacking, but the driver refused to pull the car over resulting in a high-speed chase.

The Acura ultimately wrecked out in a Jackson neighborhood. Montavious Wilson, who was 18 at the time, was taken into custody and identified as the driver.  Officers were able to determine that the Acura had been previously stolen out of Jackson.

Through forensic evidence and eye-witness testimony, law enforcement was able to identify the two gunmen as Demyrin Williams, 18, and Jakobe Young, 14.  Young committed this crime two-days prior to his 15th birthday.

Demyrin Williams pled guilty to Armed Carjacking and Conspiracy and was sentenced to 25 years MDOC custody with 15 years to serve by Circuit Judge Dewey Arthur. Jakobe Young pled guilty to Armed Carjacking and was sentenced to 25 years MDOC custody with 12 years to serve by Circuit Judge Bradley Mills. Montavious Wilson also pled guilty to Armed Carjacking and Felony Evasion and was sentenced to 20 years MDOC custody with 12 years to serve by Judge Mills.

District Attorney Bubba Bramlett stated: “Teens committing violent felonies using firearms is a serious problem across the state. Madison and Rankin County law enforcement and my office are taking aggressive action against such activity. One of the teenagers led law enforcement on a dangerous high-speed chase into Jackson before wrecking out.  The other two teenagers each held a gun to a citizen’s head and threatened to kill him.

Then the youngest of the bunch, a 14 year old, drove off in the carjacked automobile.  It’s a miracle no one died.”

---

MONTAVIOUS S. WILSON                          

DOB: 02/17/2003

---

DEMYRIN T. WILLIAMS                    

DOB: 07/10/2003

---

JAKOBE M. YOUNG

DOB: 06/16/2006

---

Download press release.

District Attorney Urges Parents And Caregivers: Look Before You Lock

Rankin County, MS – Madison and Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett wants to remind parents and caregivers about the dangers of pediatric vehicular heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pediatric vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children in the United States. Since 1998, 913 children aged 14 or younger have died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke.

A child's body temperature can rise five times faster than an adult’s, and vehicular heatstroke can occur when outside temperatures are as low as 57 degrees. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, whether running or not, even for a few minutes. Before you walk away from your car, always Look Before You Lock.

“It could happen to anyone, so please ensure it doesn’t happen to your family,” stated Bramlett. “Mississippi summer months mean dangerous temperatures. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise by 20 degrees. On a typical 90°day, the temperatures inside a car can exceed 110°, which is deadly for a child.” On average last year, two children died each month from pediatric vehicular heatstroke.

Half of child heatstroke fatalities occurred when the adult driver forgot the child was in the back seat. Usually, the child was being taken to childcare or preschool, and the adult forgot they were in the car. In most cases, the child was under the age of one and asleep or just quiet in the back seat. A change in route is a common factor in many of these preventable tragedies. For this reason, make it a habit to Look Before You Lock every time you leave your vehicle. It only takes a second to check the back seat—a simple step that could save a life. 

Toddlers and young mobile children are also at risk of heatstroke if they gain access to a parked vehicle. Some children get into an unlocked vehicle without the knowledge of an adult and may be unable to get out of the car, especially if the vehicle's child locks are activated. Please talk to your children about not playing in or around a car. Then make sure you always lock your vehicle and keep the keys out of reach of children. 

The District Attorney's office urges all parents and caregivers to do these three things to help prevent child heatstroke: 

• Make it a habit of looking in the back seat EVERY time you exit the car.

• NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even for a short time or with the windows cracked.

• ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach.  

If you are a bystander and see a child in a hot vehicle: 

• Make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 911 immediately.

• If the child appears okay, attempt to locate the parents, or have the facility's security or management page the car owner over the PA system. If someone is with you, one person should actively search for the parent while the other waits at the car.

• If the child is not responsive or appears distressed, attempt to get into the car to assist—even if that means breaking a window. 

Know the warning signs of heatstroke, including red, hot, and moist or dry skin; no sweating; a strong rapid, or slow and weak pulse; nausea; confusion; or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, quickly spray the child with cool water— NEVER put a child in an ice bath. It is always advisable to call 911 or your local emergency number to have the child assessed by professionals.

Bramlett said, "There is a simple way to end these avoidable deaths: please Look Before You Lock." 

For more information on vehicular heatstroke, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke. 

###

---

Download press release.

Jamie Ladell Sullivan, "Mr. Fix It," Pleads Guilty to False Pretense

Rankin County, MS - Madison and Rankin Counties' District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on Thursday, June 2, 2022, Jamie Ladell Sullivan, aka "Mr. Fix It," pled guilty to one (1) count of False Pretense. Judge Arthur sentenced Sullivan to ten (10) years with five (5) years suspended, leaving five (5) years to serve in custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Upon release from custody, Sullivan will be placed on five (5) years of supervised probation.

On or around August 25, 2020, the Rankin County Sheriff's Office received complaints from citizens about Sullivan scamming them into fixing their garage doors. Sullivan allegedly went to their houses, quoted them a price, and got paid but did not buy any materials or do any of the work promised. The victims attempted to contact Sullivan, but he would either not respond or give excuses. Sullivan was apprehended by the RCSO and admitted to lying to customers about ordering the parts. He further admitted that he was supposed to use the money to buy parts but instead used it to pay off old debts. Sullivan scammed seven (7) victims in Rankin County, including an 86-year-old vulnerable adult.

The Rankin County District Attorney's Office recovered the full restitution, $11,973.50, from Sullivan for the victims.

"Sheriff Bryan Bailey and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office did a great job investigating this case and helped our office recover the financial losses the victims suffered, " said Bramlett. "In addition, they helped secure a conviction that will hold this Defendant accountable for his fraudulent actions."

Defendant:
Name: Jamie Ladell Sullivan
Date of Birth: 12/30/1975

Download press release.

Alexander Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking with Intent to Distribute

Madison, MS – Madison and Rankin District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that on Monday, May 16, 2022, Daryl Alexander of Canton, pled guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, and possession of tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to distribute.

On April 1, 2020, a deputy with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office made a traffic stop on I55 North in Madison County. The driver, identified as Daryl Alexander, was on his way to Canton, MS. When the driver and passenger in the vehicle gave conflicting stories, the deputy used his canine to search the vehicle, resulting in an alert of narcotics. Deputies located over two thousand (2,000) methamphetamine pills, one (1) kilogram of methamphetamine, one (1) 1⁄2 lbs. of marijuana, and twenty-eight (28) grams of cocaine.

As a result of a follow up investigation to the traffic stop, on June 19, 2022, agents with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on James St. in Canton, MS. Agents discovered over sixty (60) bags of cocaine packaged for sale, multiple edibles, marijuana, three hundred eighty-two (382) Fentanyl pills, digital scales, a money counter, and several firearms. Daryl Alexander was located outside of the residence when the search warrant was executed.

Alexander was indicted for multiple drug charges including trafficking of methamphetamine, trafficking of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of tetrahydrocannabinol, and conspiracy charges.

When Alexander failed to appear in court on March 9, 2021, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He fled to Texas but was picked up on March 4, 2022, and transported back to MS. He appeared in court on May 16, 2022, and plead guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking in fentanyl, and possession of tetrahydrocannabinol with intent.

Alexander was sentenced by Judge Steve Ratcliff to serve 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections without the possibility of early release or parole.

Alexander previously served time in 2003 for a Manslaughter conviction and in 2013 for a Possession of Marijuana conviction.

Alexander’s co-defendant Sharmica L. Rushing has an active warrant and is currently on the run. Any information leading to her whereabouts should be turned over to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Bramlett stated: “These people trafficking fentanyl through Rankin and Madison are going to figure out, sooner or later, they are on the highway to prison, and they’re going to be there for a while.”

Defendant:
Name: Daryl Alexander
Date of Birth: 09/27/1980

Defendant:
Name: Sharmica L. Rushing
Date of Birth: 1979
Status: Active Warrant

Download press release.

Daryl Alexander

Sharmica L. Rushing