A former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy convicted in the torture of two Black men is now seeking a reduced federal prison sentence. Brett McAlpin is one of six white former law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to breaking into a home without a warrant and subjecting the victims to a brutal attack, which led to serious consequences, including the use of Tasers and even a shooting incident.
In March, the officers received sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years, with McAlpin receiving approximately 27 years, the second-longest term. McAlpin’s attorney argues that his sentence is excessive since he did not actively participate in the violent abuse and maintained a distance from the actions of the other officers.
The incident, which occurred in 2023, stirred echoes of Mississippi’s history of racial injustices committed by individuals in power. However, this time, the perpetrators faced severe penalties for their actions, with a federal judge describing their behavior as “egregious and despicable.”
At the sentencing in March, the former officers were criticized by Attorney General Merrick Garland for the heinous nature of their crimes. Meanwhile, McAlpin’s lawyer is requesting the appeals court to review his client’s sentence, arguing that it unfairly accounted for the collective misconduct of all officers involved.
McAlpin apologized during his sentencing but did not directly address the victims. The prosecution contended that McAlpin played a significant role in molding the other officers’ behavior, with one victim likening him to a mafia boss.
These former officers also faced charges in state court and were sentenced in April for their roles in the horrific event. McAlpin, who is currently serving his sentence in a federal prison in West Virginia, awaits a potential revision of his prison term through the appeal process.
