Velma White, a 32-year-old Jackson woman, admitted in federal court today to orchestrating a cold-blooded murder-for-hire plot to kill her half-brother for a $50,000 life insurance payout. White pleaded guilty to four counts of using a cellphone to facilitate the scheme, a move that nearly ended in tragedy, federal prosecutors revealed.
On August 23, 2017, White initiated contact with what she believed was a professional hitman—actually an undercover law enforcement officer—via text messages from her personal cell phone. During a recorded phone call, she explicitly laid out her demand: the targeted killing of her half-brother. She offered $10,000 upfront, promising more once she collected the insurance money, for which she was the sole beneficiary.
Over the following days, White remained relentless in her coordination with the undercover agent, discussing logistics, timing, and methods for the murder. Authorities say she was given multiple opportunities to walk away. Instead, she doubled down, confirming her intent and even offering to assist in additional murder-for-hire operations in exchange for cash.
“This wasn’t a moment of madness—it was a calculated, greed-driven conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “The swift actions and cooperation among our local and federal law enforcement agencies literally saved a person’s life and protected the public from a criminal who chose personal greed over human life. We will continue to be vigilant, expeditious and collaborative in investigating and prosecuting those who commit federal crimes.”
White now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the four charges. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2018, at 9 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III in Jackson.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation, with critical support from the Pearl Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case, underscoring the federal crackdown on violent, financially motivated crimes that threaten public safety.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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