After being denied a new trial, former interim Hinds County Sheriff Marshand Crisler has begun a prison stint connected to a bribery scandal.
In mid-February, a judge ordered Crisler to spend two and a half years behind bars for his role in a bribery scheme during his time in law enforcement. Crisler, once a candidate for mayor as well, is reported to have accepted bribes and aided a convicted felon.
Though Crisler attempted to appeal his sentence, his efforts proved fruitless. He appeared in a three-day trial in November and pleaded his innocence. According to court documents, Crisler, who served as interim Hinds County Sheriff following the death of Lee Vance, took thousands of dollars from convicted felon Tonarri Moore in exchange for information concerning criminal investigations into the person who paid the bribes.
The former Jackson city councilman reportedly agreed to protect one of Moore’s jailed family members by moving him to another detention facility. These actions are said to have taken place during Crisler’s previous unsuccessful campaign for Hinds County sheriff in 2021 when he was defeated by current officeholder Tyree Jones.
In addition, Crisler supplied ammunition to a person he knew to be a convicted felon — a direct violation of federal law. Crisler tossed his hat in the ring at an opportunity to become Hinds County’s top cop in 2023 but was ousted once again by Jones.
Instead of being a leader in law enforcement, Crisler will remain on the other side of justice.
