A former Mississippi Delta police officer accused of coercing an undocumented immigrant to give him money to be shielded from legal trouble has been arrested.
While working as an officer with the Ruleville Police Department, Antonio Wade, 26, is reported to have conducted a traffic stop on Sept. 17 of this year. During the stop, the officer learned that the unidentified driver lacked identification or legal status. Upon that discovery, Wade allegedly indicated that he could help the subject in exchange for money.
The officer then reportedly collected $2,500 from the individual. Wade has been charged with extortion under, blackmail under, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
“No traffic stop should ever turn into a shakedown,” U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said. “Corruption of the kind alleged here undermines public safety and trust in law enforcement, and it will simply not be tolerated.”
RELATED: All 20 defendants plead not guilty in Mississippi Delta drug trafficking investigation
If convicted, Wade faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence. Wade is currently being held without bond pending a detention hearing. Separate state charges may be pending.
“Officer Wade violated the trust between law enforcement and the people they pledged to protect,” Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said. “This abuse of power will not be tolerated. Thank you to our federal and state partners for your commitment to restoring confidence in our criminal justice and immigration systems. The Attorney General’s Office looks forward to our day in State court.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Mims is prosecuting the case.