CLEVELAND SENTENCED ON MURDER AND TRAFFICKING NARCOTICS OFFENSES

Greenville, MS- Judge Carol White-Richard sentenced Merrick Cleveland to twenty-five years in prison on the charges of second degree murder and trafficking marijuana on January 14, 2019 in the Circuit Court of Washington County. Cleveland entered a guilty plea to these two offenses which occurred in September of 2015 in Greenville.

On September 10, 2015 officers with the Greenville Police Department responded to the Exxon at the intersection of Highway 82 and Colorado Street to a call for help. Upon arriving at that location they learned that the victim in this matter, Jonathan Daniels was dying in the adjacent Captain D’s restaurant. Officers learned through the course of their investigation that Daniels had been shot at the Exxon and ran to the Captain D’s seeking assistance. After gathering evidence at the location, examining cell phones of codefendants in this matter, and getting statements from other defendants and witnesses, officers learned that Cleveland had agreed to purchase a large quantity of marijuana from Daniels, luring him from Jackson to make the transaction, and that upon arriving at the Exxon to complete the sale, Cleveland instead shot Daniels before fleeing in his vehicle and taking the marijuana that was to be sold.

Other defendants with Cleveland on that night have been previously sentenced for their involvement with this crime. Under the laws of the State, Cleveland must serve his sentence day-for-day without the possibility of parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Takiyah Perkins, John Herzog Jr., Kaylon McCou and M. Austin Frye. Perkins said that “Without the efforts of the Greenville Police Department and Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and their hard work to hold Cleveland to account for his crimes, the victim in this matter would have been denied the justice that he deserved.”

Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105

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resources

Attorney General

www.ago.state.ms.us

MDOC

www.ms.gov

Federal Prisoners

www.bop.gov

Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

Our Mission

The mission of the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, under the direction of
W. Dewayne Richardson, is to seek justice in order to maintain an environment of safety, security and lawful behavior for the citizens of the Fourth District.

The Office of the District Attorney uses lawful and reasonable methods to successfully identify and prosecute those who commit felony crimes. When a crime occurs, the Office of the District Attorney diligently pursues the indictment and conviction of those responsible, while adhering to all rights of the Victim, ensuring the victim is being provided all direct services applicable, and acknowledging all constitutional safeguards for the accused.

The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth
District’s goal is to work with law enforcement and the judiciary to punish those who break our laws with adequate punishment. Every representative of the Office of the District Attorney pledges their commitment and full support to the protection of all citizens within the Fourth Circuit Court District.

Contact

Greenville Office
P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

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P.O. Box 1046
Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Greenwood Office
P.O. Box 253
Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
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Judicial Process

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

Felony defendants appear at a first appearance and have the charges reviewed. A judge will inquire if the defendant has an attorney. If low income, the defendant may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. No plea is entered at this time unless the defendant wishes to plead guilty or waives indictment and has an attorney present. All felony cases are presented to a grand jury in the county that the crime was committed. In the State of Mississippi, only a grand jury has the authority to indict an individual for a felony offense and require them to stand trial for the charges alleged in an affidavit and indictment.

If an indictment is issued, the defendant is bound over to stand trial or enter a guilty plea to the crimes alleged. When a criminal trial occurs all 12 jurors must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentences are decided by Circuit Court Judges in all criminal matters. In most cases a recommendation is made regarding imprisonment, probation, fines and restitution.

Municipalities

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• Washington County
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