Veteran journalist Jerry Mitchell, along with his colleagues at Mississippi Today and The New York Times, conducted a year-long investigation that uncovered decades of allegations of sex abuse, torture, bribery, retaliation, and other abuses of power at sheriff’s offices across Mississippi. The project, titled “Unfettered Power: Mississippi Sheriffs,” revealed shocking details about various sheriffs, detectives, and patrol deputies in the state. The investigation prompted state legislators to introduce a bill allowing for the investigation of law enforcement misconduct, which passed unanimously in the Mississippi House.
The series also led to federal action, with several former law enforcement officials facing charges. For example, former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree was indicted on bribery charges following the investigation. Another story about the Rankin County “Goon Squad” prompted the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to meet with local NAACP representatives and urge victims to come forward. As a result, two members of the Goon Squad were sentenced to prison for torturing two Black men, with others receiving lengthy sentences as well.
The reporting team shared advice for journalists looking to undertake similar projects, including the importance of obtaining Taser log data from law enforcement agencies and treating sources with kindness and transparency. By following these tips, journalists can uncover and expose misconduct and abuse of power within law enforcement agencies, ultimately leading to accountability and justice for victims.
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