A former police officer in the Mississippi Delta has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after admitting to extorting an undocumented immigrant during a traffic stop.
Antonio Wade, 37, was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to extortion under color of law, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
According to court documents, Wade conducted a traffic stop while serving with the Ruleville Police Department on Sept. 17, 2025, and learned the driver lacked identification and legal immigration status. Prosecutors said he accepted $2,500 from the individual in exchange for not taking enforcement action.
At sentencing, prosecutors said Wade’s conduct was not an isolated incident, telling the court he engaged in a pattern of similar activity.
“While illegal entry is a crime, those that do enter illegally should never be extorted by those in power,” U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said in a statement. “Public service is a public trust, and maintaining that trust is essential.”
Leary also praised Homeland Security Investigations agents for their work on the case.
“HSI Special Agents worked tirelessly to address this wrong,” Leary said. “I honor their efforts.”
HSI New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said the sentence should serve as a warning to public officials who abuse their authority.
“Wade’s conviction and sentencing send a clear message that no one is above the law, especially those sworn to enforce it,” Wright said. “HSI stands firm in its commitment to bring to justice anyone who betrays their responsibilities and threatens public trust.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims.