GREENVILLE RAPIST SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS

Greenville, MS— District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today that Henry Ransom pled guilty Monday, April 19^th, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charge of Sexual Battery.

With the case set for trial this week before Circuit Judge Richard Smith, Ransom chose instead to plead guilty to the charge brought against him. Ransom was sentenced to 18 years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 13 of those years to be served day-for-day behind bars and the remainder of the time on post-release supervision. Ransom’s plea requires that he be registered as a convicted sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The charges against Ransom stem from a 2019 incident where he engaged in sexual penetration with a Greenville woman without her consent.

The case against Ransom was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney M. Austin Frye, who expressed his appreciation for the Greenville Police Department’s diligent and thorough investigation of the case. Frye stated: “GPD approached this sexual assault case with urgency and professionalism- securing statements from the victim, along with DNA evidence, which ultimately led to a successful prosecution, conviction and justice for the victim . . . in doing so, GPD and the District Attorney’s Office continue in their mission to have all sexual assault victims to come forward and report the crimes committed against them- we are here to listen, we are here to serve, and we are here to secure justice for those who have suffered at the hands of criminals.”

Breaking News

9th

August

9th

Aug

DEFENDANT CONVICTED FOR SHOOTING MAN IN THE BACK

Greenville, MS—Geor’Barri Wells, 26, of Leland, was found Guilty of Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault Saturday in Washington County following a four-day jury trial. In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 10, 2018, officers of the Greenville Police […]... read more

5th

August

5th

Aug

JENNIFER YORK CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER & CHILD NEGLECT

District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today that a Washington County Jury returned Guilty verdicts on six (6) criminal charges against Jennifer York on the evening of Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The trial, which began on Monday, August 2, was […]... read more

2nd

August

2nd

Aug

Holmes County Assistant Principal Sentenced for Sexual Battery of Student

District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced this week that Dyana Thomas pled guilty Tuesday, July 20th, and was sentenced on July 23rd, in Leflore County Circuit Court to the charge of sexual battery against a student while he was an […]... read more

2nd

August

2nd

Aug

Stephen Williams sentenced to Two Consecutive Life Sentences

District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced this week that Stephen B. Williams, Jr. of Itta Bena, Mississippi, pled guilty to two counts of first degree murder and was sentenced by Leflore Circuit Judge Ashley Hines to serve two consecutive life […]... read more

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

Indianola Office
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
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

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

• City of Greenville

• City of Hollandale
• City of Leland
• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
• City of Indianola
• City of Ruleville
• City of Drew

• City of Moorhead

• City of Inverness

• City of Sunflower

• Sunflower County

• City of Itta Bena

• City of Greenwood

• Leflore County

Disclaimer of Liability

The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. With respect to any information found on this web site, neither the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District, nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and aptness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the inaccuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information conveyed. Nothing contained in the Web site is intended to constitute a promise, expressed or implied, by the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District to engage in any undertaking. The Washington County District Attorney's Office is not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages referenced. These links are provided as an information service only.

To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed in this website, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The materials on this Web site are copyrighted. Copying, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this Web site is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District. However, downloading and printing of materials from this web site is allowed for the personal use of visitors to the web site. In fact, such use is encouraged.

Indemnification

User agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District web site, its contributors, any entity jointly created by them, their respective affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of the use of the on-line service by user in reference to any claim however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence).