Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Office

05/10/2026

04/10/2026

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the End of Watch of fallen Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick “Pat” Barnes — EOW: April 10, 2021.

Five years have passed, yet the weight of that loss is still deeply felt. Time may move forward, but it does not lessen the impact of a life given in service to others. Deputy Barnes was more than a badge—he was a protector, a source of strength, and a man whose courage, integrity, and compassion shaped every life he encountered.

He answered a calling that few are willing to accept, putting himself in harm’s way to ensure the safety of his community. His commitment was unwavering, his presence reassuring, and his sacrifice the ultimate act of selflessness.

Today, we honor not only how he served, but who he was—a devoted family man, a respected colleague, and a true hero. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones, in the memories shared by his brothers and sisters in uniform, and in the community that continues to stand because of the foundation he helped protect.

Though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. His name, his service, and his sacrifice will forever echo in the lives he touched.

We remember you today and always, Pat. Continue to rest in peace. Your life mattered. Your sacrifice will never be in vain. SO-10 💙🖤

02/23/2026

Ron Strickland and the Jefferson Davis Sherff Department would like to extend our sincere gratitude to The Mississippi Highway Patrol and Trooper Victor Mays for the generous donation of two patrol SUVs

Your continued support and commitment to public safety make a meaningful difference in helping our deputies better serve and protect our community. Partnerships like this strengthen law enforcement agencies across our county and our state.

We truly appreciate your dedicated service to the people of Mississippi and your willingness to go above and beyond to support fellow agencies. Thank you for all that you do to keep Mississippi safe.

11/11/2025

Thank You. 🇺🇸

09/13/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

One Arrested After One-Car Accident in Jefferson Davis County

Jefferson Davis County, MS – On September 10, 2025, at approximately 1230 hours, Jefferson Davis County 911 dispatch received a call reporting a one-vehicle accident at the 4-way intersection of Highway 541 and Old Mount Olive Road.

When Deputies arrived on the scene, they found that the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department was already there assisting. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Matthew Todd of Soso, Mississippi. Simpson Deputies reported that Todd was passed out behind the wheel when they arrived.
Simpson Deputies stated they spent ten minutes trying to wake Todd up.

After being woken, Todd appeared confused and told Simpson and Jeff Davis Deputies he had no idea what had happened. Based on their interaction with him, Deputies suspected Todd was under the influence of a narcotic. Todd was removed from the vehicle and searched. A crystal-like substance—believed to be methamphetamine—was found concealed in the waistband of his pants.

Todd was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. During further questioning, he admitted to Investigator Vernon Dampier that he was indeed under the influence while driving, which may have contributed to the crash.

Todd was later arraigned and given a bond of $15,000.

The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office is relieved to report that no one was injured in the accident. We’re thankful to have taken one more dangerous driver off the road and would like to extend a special thank you to the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department for their quick response and assistance at the scene.

For further information, contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office.

09/13/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2025

Update on Finishline Dragstrip Shooting: Eight Charged in Death of Gavin Fortenberry

Jefferson Davis County, MS — The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department has made significant progress in the investigation of the tragic shooting that occurred at the Finishline Dragstrip in the Lucas community, which claimed the life of 17-year-old Gavin Fortenberry and left four others wounded.

Following a thorough investigation led by Investigator Vernon Dampier, law enforcement officials have arrested or charged eight individuals in connection with the shooting. The four individuals who were injured during the incident have since been released from the hospital and are continuing their recovery.

The individuals charged in connection with the murder of Gavin Fortenberry and other related offenses include:
• Kendarrius Washington, 22
• Jayden Williams, 18
• Javontae Williams, 19

These three individuals were apprehended with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.

In addition, the following suspects voluntarily surrendered to the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department:
• Samuel Martin, 19
• Brey’den Herron, 18
• Gregory Harris, 20

Investigator Dampier confirmed that two additional suspects have also been charged. However, their names will not be released until they are in custody.

“The Jefferson Davis Sheriff Department is proud of the hard work and collaboration with the community that brought us to this point,” said Investigator Vernon Dampier. “We are committed to ensuring justice for Gavin Fortenberry and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”

The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department extends its deepest gratitude to all agencies and individuals who played a role in this investigation, including the Prentiss Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Mississippi Crime Scene Unit,

“To the citizens, we thank you so much for your bravery and courage for speaking out when you saw something. This is evidence that things can change if we work together as one. I’m so proud of you all” said Investigator Dampiers

Sheriff Ron Strickland added, “We appreciate the dedication, cooperation, and professionalism shown throughout this investigation. Your contributions were instrumental in helping bring justice and closure to the Fortenberry family and our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department.

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to you all. Be Safe and Enjoy. 🎄

12/03/2024

‼️THE JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT NEEDS YOUR HELP IN IDENTIFYING THE SUSPECT IN THE MURDER OF 43-YEAR-OLD RODRIGUS ADAMS.‼️

On December 1, 2024, at approximately 0012 hours the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department received a 911 call about a shooting that took place at a bonfire on Bassfield Cemetery Road located in Bassfield Mississippi. Upon arrival, Deputies noticed 43-year-old Rodrigus Adams lying in the driveway of the residence shot to death. Witnesses stated to the deputies that it was at least 200 people at the bonfire, but no one saw anything, just heard three to four shots fired. If you have any information leading up to the arrest of the murderer of Rodrigus Adams please contact the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department at 601-792-5169 or Crimestoppers at 601-582-7867