A former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy involved in a major drug trafficking bribery scheme that ensnared 20 individuals, including two sheriffs, has been sentenced to prison time.
Ex-Sunflower County sheriff’s deputy Marvin Flowers will spend more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to aid and abet, and to attempt to aid and abet, the possession, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics. Flowers is said to have taken a total of $16,400 in bribes from undercover FBI agents as posing as Mexican drug cartel members to transport large quantities of cocaine through the Mississippi Delta between March 2022 and August 2023.
“Law enforcement agents live by a code, to bravely serve the citizens they are charged to protect. When that code is violated, there are consequences,” U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said in a statement. “Unless you’re involved in law enforcement, it’s hard to appreciate the time and effort required to investigate these type cases. The citizens of this great State are indebted to the FBI agents who invested time and resources to bring this case to a successful conclusion. I applaud their dedication.”
Robert Eikhoff, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, added that his team will continue to work to ensure that law enforcement officials are operating by the book, rather than abusing their power. He noted that police being caught up in criminal activity erodes public trust in those who took the oath to serve and protect their communities.
“The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and hold accountable individuals who abuse positions of public trust, whether by facilitating the distribution of illegal drugs that harm our communities, or by other means,” Eikhoff said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the public and ensure that those who betray the public’s trust are brought to justice.”
In addition to his prison stint, U.S. Judge Debra Brown sentenced Flowers to three years of supervised release. The former deputy will begin his imprisonment on Oct. 5.
Flowers is one of six people connected to the drug trafficking scheme who has admitted criminal conduct. Former Greenville police officer Chaka Gaines notably pleaded not guilty and was cleared by a jury in April.
