"Rural Abuse and Justice: Mississippi 'Goon Squad' Cases Highlight Power Dynamics and Sentencing Disparities"

A federal judge in Mississippi has sentenced a former deputy to 40 years in prison for involvement in the self-proclaimed Goon Squad, a group of deputies in the Rankin County Sheriff's Department who engaged in brutal misconduct for nearly two decades, targeting individuals suspected of drug-related crimes. The officers conducted home invasions, tortured occupants, and committed acts of sexual assault and violence. The case highlights the abuse of power in rural areas and the influence of sheriffs, shedding light on the severity and longevity of the behavior.