Repeat Drug Offender Sentenced to 25 YEARS

Greenville, MS—Roy Merrill, aka “Roy Epps,” pled guilty Thursday afternoon in Washington County Circuit Court to five counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent, District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today.

Set to go to trial, Merrill instead pled guilty before Circuit Judge Margaret Carey-McCray. All but one of Merrill’s charges stemmed from two indictments handed down by the October, 2016 and April, 2017 Washington County Grand Juries. He was charged by Bill of Information for his most recent offense.

In the afternoon hours of December 3, 2015, Merrill was arrested after Investigators of the Greenville Police Department’s Special Operations Division executed a no knock search warrant at his residence where they located over 1,500 grams of illegal narcotics. Merrill posted bond and was later arrested again after the execution of a subsequent warrant at the same residence in September of 2016 where Investigators located more drugs. Merrill’s latest arrest in January of 2017 resulted from the execution of a third search warrant at the same residence where he was found in possession of over 18 pounds of illegal narcotics.

Merrill was sentenced to the District Attorney’s recommendation of 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

The cases against Merrill were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kaylon A. McCou and John Herzog Jr. McCou expressed his gratitude for the work of the Special Operations Investigators: “We thank the Special Operations Division of the Greenville Police Department for their diligent efforts in keeping illegal drugs off of our streets and out of the hands of Greenville’s citizens, especially our youth.”

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

Breaking News

21st

February

21st

Feb

TERRICK WRIGHT, JR. SENTENCED

Greenville, MS—Terrick Wright, Jr., of Greenville, was sentenced to Life on Tuesday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Wright, Jr. was convicted of Capital Murder in November following a three-day jury trial in Washington County. His indictment arose from facts […]... read more

7th

February

7th

Feb

RANDOLYN FAINT SENTENCED FOR DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Indianola, MS- Randolyn Faint, 35 yoa, of Indianola was convicted of two (2) counts of Second Degree Murder in Sunflower County Circuit Court following his guilty pleas on Monday, of this week before Judge Richard Smith. On Sunday, September 6, […]... read more

7th

February

7th

Feb

MARSHALL GIVEN 20 YEAR SENTENCE FOR DEADLY DUI

Indianola, MS- Christopher Marshall, 27 yoa, was convicted of three (3) counts of Aggravated DUI in Sunflower County Circuit Court following his guilty pleas on Monday, of this week. Around 8:45 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2018, first responders of […]... read more

3rd

February

3rd

Feb

LAFAYETTE SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN 2019 DEATH

Greenville, MS — In Washington County Circuit Court, Ellison Lafayette was sentenced by Judge Richard Smith to a total of twenty (20) years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections following an earlier guilty plea to the 2019 killing of a […]... 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

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