Monroe County, Ms Sheriff’s Department

12/22/2022

12/15/2022

MCSO is Feeling Blessed this Season!

We want to take a moment to thank the great people at Community Bank of Amory and Walmart of Amory for taking time out of their busy schedules to feed first responders a wonderful meal at both places this week.

We are so grateful to be supported like we are in this county, and it is a blessing to serve here.

God bless,
M1

12/14/2022

Photos from Lowndes County MS. Sheriff's Office's post

12/13/2022

On Sunday December 11, MCSO Deputies responded to a residence on Appaloosa Drive near the community of Smithville. While at the scene, Deputies discovered what seemed to them to be a rather large concentration of dogs inside the residence. (Deputies initially guessed the number to be 40 or 50 small dogs)

A further investigation determined that there was a child living inside the residence, and Monroe County CPS workers were called to the scene. The child was able to be placed with another family member at another location.

The conditions inside the home were poor, to say the least. Deputies say the odor was almost unbearable and there were dog f***s and old food throughout the residence.

On Monday December 12, Deputies returned to the home along with Adult Protection Services to begin an investigation into the medical condition of the homeowners father, who was also living in the residence.

Deputies noticed that there were even more dogs in the residence than they had initially thought and that some of the dogs appeared to be malnourished and neglected.

Deputies made contact with Amory's PD's Animal Control Officer who came to the scene along with Amory Humane Society and took possession of 84 small dogs.

The investigation by APS, CPS, and MCSO is currently ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time.

"I want to thank the deputies that responded to this situation, along with CPS and APS for the time and care they took to bring it to a resolution. In the end, a child was saved from a horrible situation and 84 dogs were as well.

We also want to thank Amory PD's Animal Control Officer and the Amory Humane Society for their response to an overwhelming situation.
I hope that people who read this will consider helping them out with monetary or food donations to cover the housing of these animals."

Sheriff Kevin Crook

12/09/2022

We would like to thank City of Aberdeen, Ms Police Department and the town for allowing us to participate in the Christmas parade. This year, our multi purpose search and rescue vehicle es**rted, “the grinch locked up”. From the looks of the kids, they seemed to really enjoy it! See you next week Amory!! 🎄🎄🎄🎄

12/09/2022

Hamilton

Highway 45 South of Tronox/ S bound lane will be temporarily closed for traffic. Flower Farm and Holloway road detour

No injuries

12/07/2022

On December 6th, at around 740am, Hatley School SROs and Administration responded to a fight in progress in the parking lot.

Witnesses stated that 18 year old Aubrey Denton (a former student) had come onto the campus and assaulted a student of Hatley School and then fled the scene.
A warrant was issued for Denton after the Monroe County School Superintendent pressed charges on Denton for trespassing.

Pontotoc County assisted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in the ex*****on of the warrant in Pontotoc County. Denton was brought back to Monroe County to make bond on the trespassing charge that carries up to 6 months in county jail.

We expect more charges to be filed today in Monroe County Justice Court by the victim's family for simple assault. That charge also carries up to 6 months in jail.

This incident is still under investigation.

"MCSO and MCSD will work with our County Prosecuting attorney to push for maximum jail time for anyone who is found guilty of coming onto one of our campuses to do harm to our students."
Sheriff Crook

12/06/2022

Deputies Sloan and Graham sacrifice their faces for charity in a fundraiser for the Full Tummy Project at Bigbee Baptist Church.

It's good to see that Pastor Justin doesn't ask his congregation to do anything he is not willing to do himself.

God bless

12/05/2022

For the past 20 years, Motorcycle riders have come together for the Eldridge Children's Village annual Toy Run; and every years since I took office as Sheriff, Deputy Alan Cooley has come to me and requested permission to es**rt the riders on the hour long journey from Amory MS to Eldridge Alabama.

I just wanted to take a minute to shine the spot light on Deputy Cooley for his desire and willingness to serve these riders and these kids in this way.

Way to go above and beyond.
May God bless you brother!
M1

12/01/2022

Wolfe road is back open!

11/30/2022

Road washout from storm leads to swift water rescue

Road washout from storm leads to swift water rescue

11/30/2022

Please avoid Wolfe Road near Reeves circle until further notice. The bridge/culvert is washed out. Stay safe!

11/29/2022

Be Vigilant Monroe County!
God Bless

11/29/2022

11/28/2022

Junior Auxiliary of Amory is so thankful to everyone who supports our mission to provide Christmas to children in need. We want to give a special thank you to Monroe County, Ms Sheriff’s Department and Walmart Amory for your help this weekend with our toy drive. Also, thank you to everyone who donated money and items for our Santa’s Helpers project. We genuinely appreciate your support!

11/28/2022

⚠️Severe weather is expected Tuesday (11/29) into Wednesday (11/30). Severe storms, damaging winds, and tornadoes cannot be ruled out. We ask Mississippians to remain weather aware these coming days. Keep up with your local meteorologists on the latest weather updates.

📲Monitor
💡Be prepared for potential power outages
🚗 Drive safely if you have to be on the roadways

11/23/2022

Audrey Garth, age 37 of Wren was arrested by MCSO deputies last night at around 7pm on McCallister Rd in Monroe County and has been charged with Grand Larceny.

911 Dispatch received a call concerning the removal of furniture from a United Furniture tractor/trailer that seemed suspicious.

Deputies responded to the area and made contact with the furniture truck not far from the scene where the call originated.

Garth, an employee of United Furniture, was the driver of the vehicle. He was taken into custody without incident.

Several pieces of furniture were recovered in a nearby parking lot, and United Furniture Industries took possession of the furniture and truck.

This is an ongoing investigation and there may be more arrests to come.
M1

11/18/2022

Happy Friday!

I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all the businesses who have supported us through calendar ads over the years (especially the last three), as well as those who are supporting us this year.

Your ad purchase helps us offset our budget by providing uniforms for patrolmen, investigators and corrections officers.
(Pictured below are our ad sponsors from 2022)

We are thankful for the support we have from our community, and I pray we continually improve upon the way we serve and protect for years to come.

God bless,
M1

11/11/2022

MCSO is feeling thankful today for all the Veterans that have served our great nation in the Armed Forces, especially the ones that work for MCSO.

Community Bank needs to be commended for a wonderful job this morning in honoring the Veterans of our County, and as usual, our MS Army National Guardsmen in Amory were gracious hosts for the event. It was truly a tribute to God, who has blessed us, and the men and women who have served us.

Thanks also to Congressman Trent Kelly for taking the time to come speak to our Veterans on this day.

May we all take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we have in this country and the men and women who have fought for generations to keep it that way.

Call me old fashioned, but I still believe our Military and their families are the backbone of this nation.

God bless,
M1

11/02/2022

Donia Lynn Newsome, 49yo of Timber Ridge Lane in GWS was arrested November 1, 2022 on the charge of Arson - First Degree for the burning of a mobile home at 60318 Bethlehem Rd in Splunge MS last month.

It appears that Newsome had been in a relationship with the owner of the residence prior to this offense.

Bond was set at $25,000 by Justice Court Judge Adrian Haynes.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Deputy Jim Littlejohn and the Office of the State Fire Marshal for always being there to assist with these investigations.

I am proud of our Fire Investigator Deputy Ronnie Sloan for the work that he does and the working relationship he has developed with Deputy Littlejohn. They make a great team and have closed out several investigations leading to arrest this year alone.

M1

11/01/2022

We had a great time again this year visiting with the teachers and children at West Amory Pre-K and allowing them to check out our Armored Vehicle, learn about our K-9's, and hear from several of our deputies (including Chief Billy Richey, Deputy Joe Hamilton, K-9/SOG Deputy Wilbanks, SOG Deputy Matt Flippo, Lt. Brad Jernigan, Lt. David Mitchell and Deputy Tyler Stanford).
Thanks also to Amory PD Officer Eric Benson for joining us today.

We exist to help others through service and protection.

God Bless,
M1

10/28/2022

DEPUTIES REAX

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P98OqR-CjeM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P98OqR-CjeM&feature=youtu.be
Concerning the headlines and lawyers stating that Monroe County Settled a $690,000 lawsuit, we need to set the record straight for the people of Monroe County.

Monroe County did not have to payout any kind of settlement. The Insurance Co. may have settled and that is their business. The Deputies involved were all willing and ready to testify to what happened the night of this awful event that led to a man's death.

I hate it for the deputies, I hate it for the family, and I hope all are able to move forward now that the lawsuit was dismissed.

These deputies have been called liars by attorneys, they have had hit pieces done on them by the Washington Post and Daily Journal because it fit a certain media narrative, and they had to sit back and take it due to the ongoing litigation.

The facts of that night (in order) are:

There was Evidence as to drugs being in the residence that night.
The search warrant for the home was obtained and valid.
The SWAT team breached the door and announced themselves. Unfortunately a man met them in the doorway with a gun.
Shots were exchanged and a man was killed.
A SWAT team medic rendered aid to the suspect in attempt to save his life.
There was a live feed from surveillance cameras on and around the residence playing on a TV in the bedroom once deputies made entry, loud enough that they had to turn it down.
A large amount of drugs were found (approximately 8 oz of m**h) in the residence.

These are just some of the facts from that night, like them or not, agree with them or not, they are what they are.

There is nothing enjoyable about making this post. It is part of the ongoing transparency that I spoke about when I ran for this position. I am fully aware that it will draw great criticism from those who dislike Law Enforcement or dislike me personally; but for those who appreciate the truth, it needed to be said.

Grace and Peace,
M1

Monroe County Sheriff's deputies give their recollections of the night a search warrant was served on the home of Ricky Keeton.

10/28/2022

Happy National First Responders Day to all the first responders out there (which now by declaration of the governor includes our dispatchers, which are technically the first to respond to any emergency call by answering it and guiding it until help arrives on scene).

On behalf of the first responders at MCSO, I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who recognize us throughout the year. Just in the last few weeks, we were fed by Wren RCDC, Sulfur Springs Primitive Baptist Church, and Lesley & Jason Sullivan and friends (including the Republican Women of Monroe County).

Thank you to Judge Fowlkes for the kind words he had to say at Wren RCDC.

We appreciate the support we have here in Monroe County and especially the prayers.

May God continue to be all of our help and strength.
God bless,
Sheriff Crook

10/27/2022

Bond denied for man who attempted to escape law enforcement twice in one day

See below post related to this story...

AMORY – A Smithville man appeared in Monroe County Justice Court Oct. 27 for the second time in a week – this time for felony charges linked to attempting to

10/27/2022

...continued from above post

I would like to commend Detention Officers Tony Stahl (Chaplain) and Tatum Savage (Sergeant) for their swift action in pursuing this inmate into the ceiling of the jail and bringing him back down safely and without injury.

Not pictured is Deputy Levi Inmon who apprehended Cruber on his attempt to flee Justice Court.

We don't give you men and women in Corrections enough credit for all you do and put up with daily. Thank you.

M1

10/27/2022

Its that time of year again. Twice a year, our department takes a few days to conduct physical fitness testing. I am excided to say that most everyone within the department made improvements from their last test.

The test consists of a quarter mile run, dummy drag, max push ups in 2 min, max burpees in 1 min, and another quarter mile run.

Around the same time, we had a total of 7 deputies (one wife) and their sheriff compete in a spartan 10k obstacle race near Nashville TN.

I am proud of our men and women and their commitment to excellence in all areas. We understand that we are far from perfect, but we continue to strive to be our best for the people of Monroe County and for one another.

And yes, that is William Randle eating a cheeseburger at the end of his pt test. Hey, whatever motivates.

God bless,
M1

10/21/2022

Good Friday Monroe County!

Congratulations to Deputy Leigh Ann Brewer for her recent promotion to Sargent on "A Shift".
Lt. David Mitchell pinned her new bars last week and takes all the credit for her promotion and the great job she does for our county.

Congratulations to Deputy Chris Hawkins as well. Hawk was recently moved into the S.O.G. (Special Operations Group) position on that same shift. Lt. David Mitchell also takes all the credit here for Hawk's interest, commitment and skills needed for this position.

Both these deputies were hired by Sheriff Crook in his first term of office, and Lt. David Mitchell takes the credit for that as well.

Be blessed,
M1

10/20/2022

UPDATE:
Tony Alexander Burdine (age 31) of Amory was arrested by Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Special Victims Unit) last November on charges related to Child Po*******hy, Human Trafficking, S*xual Battery, and Controlled Substances.

On 10/13/2022, Burdine was sentenced by Circuit Judge Paul Funderburk to 20 years day for day on these charges.

I know that there are families that will be glad to know they wont have to worry about this individual for a long time.

I would also like to thank our Investigators for the job they do. They each have a huge case load and rarely get credit for a job well done.

God Bless,
M1

10/20/2022

Former Hamilton daycare employees charged with felony child abuse

On 10/19/22, the following people were arrested in relation to the Hamilton Daycare incident:
Sierra McCandless - 3 counts felony child abuse
Oci-Anna Kilburn - 3 counts felony child abuse
Jennifer Newman - 3 counts felony child abuse
Shyenne Mills - 3 counts felony child abuse
Traci Hutson - failure to report abuse by mandatory reporter & and simple assault.

On Monday October 17, 2022 MCSO, along with the County Prosecuting Attorney and the District Attorney's Office, met with the parents of the children involved in the incident to make them aware of the possible criminal charges the law would allow them to pursue; and parents were given an opportunity to share information they had gathered with Monroe County Investigators.

On Wednesday October 18, at least one set of parents had filed felony child abuse charges in Monroe County Justice Court.

On Thursday, October 19, a Judge issued warrants on charges filed against 5 of the daycare workers by multiple sets of parents on behalf of their children.

Within 2 hours of receiving those warrants, all 5 suspects were in custody in Monroe County Jail.

This morning, October 20, 2022, the 4 suspects on felony charges had an initial appearance and their bonds were set:
McCandless and Kilburn were each set at $20,000 and Newman and Mills at $15,000. Bonds were set by Justice Court Judge Sarah Stevens.

What Now? The Felony charges will be presented to the next Grand Jury and it will be decided there if there is enough evidence to Indict these individuals on these charges.

This case is still open and ongoing.

M1

HAMILTON • Four former Lil’ Blessings Child Care & Learning Center employees have been charged with felonies in connection to “behavior modification” instances caught on cell phone video involving an

10/18/2022

Charterious Laquess Moore of West Point was arrested October 16, 2022.
Monroe County Deputies charged Moore with the following:
1) Aggravated Trafficking of Controlled Substance -Methamphetamine (approximately one half pound)
2) Felony Fleeing from Law Enforcement
3) Felony Possession of Controlled Substance - Ma*****na (approximately one half pound)
and several misdemeanor charges related to his arrest.
Moore also had outstanding warrants and is on Federal Probation for prior convictions.
Details:
MCSO was conducting a safety checkpoint at Hwy 382/25 Intersection south of Aberdeen when Moore attempted to flee the checkpoint and headed into Aberdeen. Moore bailed out of his vehicle while it was still rolling and attempted to flee into the woods.
He was arrested with the help of Aberdeen Officers after a brief run through the woods.
Moore's bond was set at $150,000 by Justice Court Judge Brandon Davis.

10/07/2022

Congratulations to all these men and women who graduated today from a week long training in Crisis Intervention hosted by Tupelo PD.

This class included two Monroe County Deputies, Cody Holloway and Kasi Gwin. They will join the Monroe County CIT Deputies: Marshal Eubanks, Chris Hawkins, and Matt Flippo, who have also graduated this training.

This class also included three of Amory's Finest, Rick Jones, Matt Dickerson, and Jake Stanford, congratulations guys.

We are grateful for this training every year and those who put it on, and we hope to continue to have our deputies trained and certified by the state to better deal with the growing number of mentally ill that we encounter.

M1

10/07/2022

Update: 10/19/22 Charges have been filed and warrants issued.

Update: Monroe County SO continues to look into the incident at Lil' Blessings Childcare and Learning Center in Hamilton MS.

From the Sheriff:

As a dad and as someone who has great compassion for those who can't defend themselves, I admit it was very hard to watch these videos today; and my initial reaction was the same as most anyone else I would think..."they deserve to be charged".

It made me sick at my stomach to think of the terror those kids were enduring. It still does.
My heart and prayers go out to the parents who are dealing with these same emotions right now. We have a 17yo, a 13yo, and a 2yo in our home right now, so I get it, trust me.

I am thankful that the only lashing out over this has been verbal and in print. I pray that it remains that way. I pray for peace for all involved. I am quite sure that those responsible are feeling the full weight of their error in judgment right now.

In the meantime, Our Department is looking into the matter, and we will do a full investigation. The kids are safe, and this has been brought to light: that is the main thing everyone should be thankful for today!

Our Investigators do not bring charges based solely on our watching of a video, and we don't encourage others to run down to Justice Court and start filing away. We need time to dig into a situation and find out what the real facts of the case are... all of them. This is what we will be doing.

If those parents wishing to bring charges will give us that time, we will lay out the options that we, our County Prosecutor, and our District Attorney think best fit the situation, and you can move forward with those.
I would like to be able to meet with all of those planning to do that in the near future.

Having said that, we can not stop anyone from filing what they see fit to file without our help.

This is how we plan to proceed. Please join us in praying for our community.

"Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly!"
God bless,
M1

10/06/2022

The Monroe County, Ms Sheriff’s Department is aware of the video from the daycare in Hamilton and is working with the county prosecutor to see if there is any possible criminal charges that can be filed.

10/04/2022

Congratulations Investigator Spencer Woods for being recognized statewide for the important work he does in the area of S*x Offender Compliance.
We have over 100 offenders on our Monroe County registry, and Woods works along with the patrol deputies to keep up with all of their whereabouts.

Many of these individuals are constantly moving from one residence to another and it takes a lot of effort to keep up with them and make sure they are in compliance.

Woods normally keeps a 100% compliance rate, and this is why he was recently recognized at MBI's state conference.

To give an example of this ongoing task, just this week we have brought in two individuals for failure to comply (one was with the help of the US Marshals S*x Offender task force).

Henry Lamont Wallace (yellows) was tracked down by the Marshal's Office in Leflore County MS after Woods discovered he was not living at the address on Meridian St in Aberdeen that he had used as his place of residence.

Wallace's bond was set at $5,000 by Justice Court Judge Haynes, and he was allowed to be released on his own recognizance per the Judge. MDOC Officers placed an ankle monitor on him (per Lenora's Law) before he was able to leave Monroe County Jail.

Camacho Leonardo Elliot (whites) was arrested at the MCSO Jail Monday October 3rd for letting his ID expire and failing to register every 90 days. This was not a first time offense.

Elliot's bond was also set at $5,000 by Justice Court Judge Haynes, and an ankle monitor was ordered by the judge according to Lenora's Law.

Lenora's Law (45-33-33) is named after 59 year old Lenora Edhegard who was killed in her home by her neighbor, a convicted felon who used a fake address to register as a s*x offender but was living in a different town.

The Law requires an ankle monitor to be placed on any person required to register for a s*x offender, when that person is accused of any registration offense under this statute code.

Keep up the good work!
M1

10/03/2022

Several residents of Monroe County have received a call from a Mike Ogletree to collect fines for Monroe County.

Monroe County will NOT call requesting any type of payment.

We do not have a Lt. Mike Ogletree that works for the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Scam Number is 662-362-7702. Please do not send him any money.

Best Regards,
MCSD