First Circuit District Attorney's Office

First Circuit District Attorney's Office Official Government Page for District Attorney - 1st Circuit Court District of Mississippi

PRESS RELEASE IUKA, Miss. - April 8, 2026 -GILLESPIE SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER On April 8, 2026, Veroni...
04/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE
IUKA, Miss. - April 8, 2026 -

GILLESPIE SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

On April 8, 2026, Veronica Gillespie pleaded guilty to the charge of Attempted Murder
arising from an August 26, 2023 incident in Prentiss County, Mississippi. Additionally, Gillespie pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault arising out of a November 8, 2022 incident also in Prentiss County, Mississippi.

Upon accepting the guilty pleas of Gillespie, Circuit Court Judge Kelly Mims sentenced Gillespie to a term of 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 10 years suspended leaving the balance to serve of 30 years on the Attempted Murder charge. As to the charge of Aggravated Assault, Gillespie was sentenced to a term of 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with 20 years suspended to run consecutive to the sentence imposed on the Attempted Murder charge.

The District Attorney’s Office extends recognition and appreciation to Detective Karl Courtney of the Booneville Police Department for his work and investigation in these matters.

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Joel Baldwin and Reagan Wise on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASE Tupelo, Miss.-March 24, 2026-FORMER TUPELO NEUROLOGIST SENTENCED TO 15 YEARSOn March 24, 2026, Ali Ahmad, ...
03/24/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Tupelo, Miss.
-March 24, 2026-

FORMER TUPELO NEUROLOGIST SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

On March 24, 2026, Ali Ahmad, a former Tupelo Neurologist, pleaded guilty to Possession of Child Po*******hy. Upon the acceptance of Ahmad’s guilty plea, Senior Circuit Court Judge Paul S. Funderburk sentenced Ahmad to a term of 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Because of the nature of the offense, Ahmad will not be eligible for parole and must serve the sentence day for day.

In addition to the state charges, on February 11, 2026, Ahmad was sentenced on the charge of Distribution of Child Po*******hy in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. In that matter, Chief Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Ahmad to 144 months of incarceration, 5 years supervision and ordered him to pay $96,100.00 in restitution to the victims of his offense. The state sentence of 15 years will run concurrent to this sentence. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Mississippi, Ahmad’s work visa has been revoked, therefore, he will be deported after serving his sentence.

We want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Rachel Clock for their extensive work in this matter. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s office and Department of Homeland Security also assisted in this investigation.

Assistant District Attorney Josh Wise prosecuted this case on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

Thank you to U.S. Attorney Scott Leary for highlighting the impact of Operation Overload and the strength of our law enf...
02/24/2026

Thank you to U.S. Attorney Scott Leary for highlighting the impact of Operation Overload and the strength of our law enforcement partnerships.

“OPERATION RELOAD”ANNOUNCED TODAYOperation Reload is a continuation of Operation Overload. Operation Overload was a trem...
02/19/2026

“OPERATION RELOAD”
ANNOUNCED TODAY

Operation Reload is a continuation of Operation Overload. Operation Overload was a tremendous success by law enforcement, resulting in the following:

Citations issued: 793

Illegal drug/firearm-related charges: 51

Other charges (non-drug/firearm-related or outstanding warrants): 23

Illegal aliens referred to or detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: 16

The District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere appreciation for the collaborative efforts of multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that participated in Operation Overload.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

MCCOY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE On February 19, 2026, Adrian Rashad McCoy entered a plea of ...
02/19/2026

MCCOY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE

On February 19, 2026, Adrian Rashad McCoy entered a plea of guilty to Trafficking of Methamphetamine. McCoy was indicted for the charge by a Pontotoc County Grand Jury. As a result, Judge Kelly Mims sentenced McCoy to 20 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. McCoy will not be eligible for parole or early release and will be required to serve all 20 years.

McCoy’s criminal activities were investigated by Kory Clowers and the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department as well as the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit. Assistant District Attorneys Megan French and Sidra Winter prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASETUPELO, Miss. — February 17, 2026 —HATCHETT SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS ON MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE CHARGEOn F...
02/17/2026

PRESS RELEASE
TUPELO, Miss.
— February 17, 2026 —

HATCHETT SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS ON MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE CHARGE

On February 12, 2026, Jaedin Jacques Hatchett entered a plea of guilty to Murder in the Second Degree. Hatchett was indicted on the Second Degree Murder charge for the March 5, 2023 murder of Montavious Jemar Clifton. As a result, Circuit Court Judge John R. White sentenced Sullivan to 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Hatchett will not be eligible for parole or early release and will be required to serve all 25 years. An additional 15 years were suspended. Upon his release from prison Hatchett will be required to complete 5 years of post-release supervision.

This case was investigated by the Tupelo Police Department.

Sadie Gardner, Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASETUPELO, Miss.— February 13, 2026 —DERRICK DENMAN TO SERVE 10 YEARS DAY-FOR-DAY ON NARCOTICS CHARGEOn Februa...
02/13/2026

PRESS RELEASE
TUPELO, Miss.
— February 13, 2026 —

DERRICK DENMAN TO SERVE 10 YEARS DAY-FOR-DAY ON NARCOTICS CHARGE

On February 12, 2026, Derrick Lerenzo Denman pled guilty to trafficking methamphetamine in Lee County. Circuit Court Judge John R. White sentenced Denman to a total of 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 30 years suspended, leaving 10 years to serve on a day-for-day basis. As a result, Denman will not be eligible for parole or early release. Upon his release from incarceration, Denman must complete 5 years of post-release supervision.

Denman’s criminal activities were extensively investigated by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit (NMNU) and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN). The District Attorney’s Office proudly recognizes the NMNU and MBN for their relentless and strategic investigation of narcotics distribution throughout the district.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan French on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASETUPELO, Miss. — February 10, 2026 —SULLIVAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS ON NARCOTICS CHARGESOn February 9, 2026, ...
02/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE
TUPELO, Miss.
— February 10, 2026 —

SULLIVAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS ON NARCOTICS CHARGES

On February 9, 2026, Candy Michelle Sullivan entered pleas of guilty to multiple narcotics charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, tampering with evidence and simple possession of methamphetamine. As a result, Circuit Court Judge John R. White sentenced Sullivan to 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. An additional 23 years were suspended. Sullivan will be required to complete 5 years of post-release supervision after her release from prison.

These cases were investigated by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit (NMNU). The District Attorney’s Office commends the NMNU for its aggressive investigation of narcotics distribution in our district.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan French on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASETUPELO, MS — February 6, 2026 —REGINALD DENMAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS ON NARCOTICS CHARGEOn February 6, 2026...
02/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE
TUPELO, MS
— February 6, 2026 —

REGINALD DENMAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS ON NARCOTICS CHARGE

On February 6, 2026, Circuit Court Judge Kelly L. Mims sentenced Reginald Denman to 20 years in prison for possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute. An additional 10 years were suspended. Denman also received 10 years suspended for a charge of felony fleeing. Denman must complete 5 years of post-release supervision once he is released from prison.

The North Mississippi Narcotics Unit (NMNU) investigated this case with assistance from the Tupelo Police Department. The District Attorney’s Office commends the NMNU for their sustained efforts in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan French on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

It’s always an honor and a privilege to teach at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. The Basic Class ...
02/06/2026

It’s always an honor and a privilege to teach at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. The Basic Class B-81 is a great group of men and women who have chosen a career of service to their communities through law enforcement. I am so thankful for each of them, and for all law enforcement officers who serve and protect us.

We are very fortunate as a community to have this facility here in North Mississippi. It is operated with professionalism and pride, producing the next generation of well-trained law enforcement officers.

These cadets understand that law enforcement is often a thankless job. Yet, they are preparing rigorously and sacrificing much to serve our communities.



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PRESS RELEASECORINTH, Miss. – Friday, January 16, 2026 –HAWLEY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE M...
01/16/2026

PRESS RELEASE
CORINTH, Miss. – Friday, January 16, 2026 –

HAWLEY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE MANSLAUGHTER

Michael Wayne Hawley, 46, of Corinth, entered a guilty plea Friday morning in the Circuit Court of Alcorn County to the charge of culpable negligence manslaughter. Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Mills, Jr. accepted the plea and sentenced Hawley to serve 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Upon release, Hawley will be required to complete five years of post-release supervision.

The charge resulted from an investigation by the Corinth Police Department into a fatal vehicular crash that occurred on April 25, 2024, on Highway 72 near Galyean Road. William Pady, whose vehicle was struck by the vehicle driven by Hawley, was unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced deceased at Magnolia Regional Health Center.

The investigation included witness statements, surveillance video, vehicle data, and an accident reconstruction conducted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The evidence revealed that Hawley was driving in an extremely reckless manner, including traveling at speeds of up to 103 miles per hour in the five seconds immediately preceding the crash.

Detective Michael Suitor served as the lead investigator for the Corinth Police Department. Trooper First Class Todd Davis conducted the accident reconstruction.

The sentence was imposed by Judge Mills at the conclusion of a hearing that included testimony from multiple witnesses and the presentation of video evidence documenting the crash.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jason D. Herring and Assistant District Attorneys Kyle Robbins and Clay Cummings on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District🇺🇸

PRESS RELEASEBOONEVILLE, Miss. – January 14, 2026 –THREE DEFENDANTS SENTENCED IN PRENTISS COUNTY DRUG CASESThree defenda...
01/15/2026

PRESS RELEASE
BOONEVILLE, Miss. – January 14, 2026 –

THREE DEFENDANTS SENTENCED IN PRENTISS COUNTY DRUG CASES

Three defendants were sentenced to a decade or more in prison in Prentiss County Circuit Court, following guilty pleas in separate drug-related cases. All sentences were imposed by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Mills, Jr.

William Kelly Rhodes and Vanessa Gracia each entered guilty pleas on Monday, January 12, to trafficking he**in. Judge Mills sentenced both defendants to serve 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The sentences will be served day for day, meaning neither defendant is eligible for parole or any type of early release. Upon release, each will be required to complete five years of post-release supervision with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

The convictions stemmed from the ex*****on of a search warrant at a residence on County Road 1361 in Rienzi. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered more than 1,500 grams of he**in, along with smaller amounts of methamphetamine, ma*****na, and psilocybin. The investigation was led by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and involved deputies with the Prentiss County and Tishomingo County Sheriff’s Departments.

Antonio Vasser entered guilty pleas on Tuesday, January 13, to felon in possession of a weapon and sale of methamphetamine. Judge Mills sentenced Vasser to serve 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Upon release, Vasser will be required to complete five years of post-release supervision.

Vasser’s convictions resulted from separate investigations conducted by the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department working with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. Both the Prentiss and Monroe County Sheriff’s Departments were working as part of the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit.

Each of the three cases was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kyle Robbins and Megan French on behalf of the State of Mississippi.

Jason D. Herring
District Attorney
First Circuit Court District 🇺🇸

Address

302 W Franklin Street
Tupelo, MS
38804

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6624322800

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