Jonathan Haynes, Civil Rights Violation, Mississippi 2009

In a shocking display of abuse of power, former Jackson, Mississippi police officer Jonathan Haynes has been sentenced for a civil rights violation. Haynes, a former officer with the Jackson Police Department, was found guilty of stealing money from a citizen during an off-duty encounter.

According to the U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. Sumner, the crime took place on June 21, 2008, when Haynes, while off-duty but in uniform, stopped and searched two men without cause or legal justification and stole $100 from one of the men.

On April 2, 2009, Haynes pleaded guilty to the crime and admitted to abusing his authority as a law enforcement officer. As part of his plea agreement, Haynes agreed not to work as a law enforcement officer for any federal, state or local law enforcement agency for three years.

Haynes was sentenced to a term of three years probation and six months home confinement with electronic monitoring (employment and employment training permitted). He was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and $100 restitution for this offense.

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Trial Attorney Erin Aslan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. The defendant is not related to and has no known relationship to AUSA Haynes.

The sentence is a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting the rights of citizens. The case serves as a warning to law enforcement officers who abuse their power and compromise the trust placed in them.

Mandatory facts: Defendant/respondent – Jonathan Haynes, Exact criminal charges – Civil Rights Violation, City and state – Jackson, Mississippi, EXACT DATE – June 21, 2008, Sentence or outcome – Three years probation and six months home confinement with electronic monitoring, Dollar amounts – $1,500 fine and $100 restitution.

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