Unmasking Rankin's Goon Squad: Years of Brutality Unveiled

An investigation by The New York Times and the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting has revealed a pattern of brutality and abuse by deputies of the Rankin County Sheriff's Department in Mississippi. Over the course of nearly two decades, deputies known as the "Goon Squad" conducted violent raids on impoverished neighborhoods, torturing and assaulting residents in their pursuit of drug arrests. The investigation found evidence of numerous incidents of violence, including the use of Tasers, beatings, and waterboarding. Despite multiple complaints and lawsuits, the deputies operated with impunity, leaving entire communities in fear. The investigation has prompted calls for the resignation of Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who was re-elected in November.