Key Takeaways:
- Mississippi State Auditor’s office is investigating Sheriff Bryan Bailey for allegedly using inmate labor at his family’s chicken farm.
- Former inmates and a deputy claim inmates worked on the farm using taxpayer-funded equipment and supplies.
- The sheriff’s office claims inmates were paid, but the statement didn’t address specific allegations about misuse of county resources.
- Auditor’s office has alerted federal prosecutors due to potential criminal implications.
- This is the latest in a series of scandals involving Bailey’s department.
Sheriff Under Investigation for Misusing Inmate Labor and Taxpayer Money
The Mississippi State Auditor’s office has launched an investigation into Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey. The probe follows claims that Bailey used jail inmates to work on his mother’s commercial chicken farm. Former inmates and a deputy allege that taxpayer-funded equipment and supplies were also used for farm work.
The investigation began after Mississippi Today and The New York Times published a detailed report. The article revealed that inmates, known as trusties, were taken to the farm to clean chicken feces, spread gravel, and perform other tasks.
Sheriff’s Office Responds, but Questions Remain
The sheriff’s department issued a statement denying wrongdoing. They claimed that inmates were paid for their work and that the article relied on unreliable sources. However, the statement didn’t directly address key details, such as the use of a $97,000 skid steer purchased with county funds.
Former Deputy Christian Dedmon, who is serving time for torturing two Black men in 2023, said he and inmates used the county’s skid steer on the farm. He also claimed they took truckloads of gravel from a county storage yard under the cover of darkness.
When asked about the gravel, the sheriff’s attorney said Bailey had purchased or received donations from local businesses. Dedmon disputes this, saying while Bailey may have bought some gravel, they also took it from the county yard.
Taxpayer Money and Chicken Farm Supplies
Mississippi Today found that the sheriff’s department spent around $600 on items like chicken netting and heat lamps. The department said these were for a jail chicken coop that provided inmates with fresh eggs. However, former inmates claim these items were used at the farm.
The sheriff’s office refused to explain these purchases further, leaving many unanswered questions.
Community Reacts to the Latest Scandal
The allegations against Sheriff Bailey have sparked mixed reactions in Rankin County. Some locals remain supportive, while others are outraged. Conservative advocate Grant Callen called the claims “appalling” and emphasized the importance of leadership accountability.
Bailey’s time in office has been marred by controversy. In 2024, five deputies, including Dedmon, were sentenced to prison for torturing two Black men. A separate investigation revealed a pattern of abuse by deputies who called themselves the “Goon Squad.”
What Happens Next?
The State Auditor’s office can investigate misuse of government resources and demand repayment of taxpayer money. However, they cannot file criminal charges. If evidence of criminal wrongdoing is found, federal prosecutors will take over.
As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for transparency and accountability. This case raises questions about the use of inmate labor and the proper use of taxpayer funds. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of policing in Mississippi.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.