Ex-MS Coast deputy pleads guilty to embezzlement for stealing thousands in drug money
Former Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Johnny Jefferson wanted to help a sick friend, so he stole $37,300 in drug money.
Jefferson was a sheriff’s captain assigned to work in narcotics as a South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team member when he embezzled the funds.
“I was entrusted with money that was in a safe,” Jefferson said. “I had a friend that was going through something. He needed a kidney. I wanted to give him some money to support him after the surgery.”
Jefferson was abruptly fired after the theft was discovered around Dec. 1, 2022. He had served in law enforcement for nearly three decades when the theft was discovered.
Jefferson apologized to the public for the breach of trust and to his fellow law enforcement officers, family, and friends when he pleaded guilty Friday to a bill of information charging him with embezzlement by a public official.
Christopher Daniel, an assistant district attorney in Harrison, Hancock and Stone counties, was appointed special prosecutor on the case.
He said though Jefferson made full restitution as of Friday, he has violated his oath as a law enforcement officer.
“This involved someone who is charged with enforcing the law, and there is no excuse for a breach of trust for someone charged with enforcing the laws of the state,” Daniel said.
In addition, Daniel said that about 100 criminal cases Jefferson and colleagues worked on had to be dismissed because of that breach of trust.
The prosecutor recommended a sentence of 20 years, with 15 years suspended and five years to serve, along with fines and court costs.
Jefferson’s attorney, Cherie Wade, argued for house arrest.
“Mr. Jefferson has spent just about three decades of his life serving this community as a law enforcement officer in public service,” Wade said. “Obviously, he has no felony convictions and lost his career.”
Wade said the courtroom would be packed with law enforcement officers who still support Jefferson but they can’t show their support publicly.
“His big heart got him into trouble,” Wade added. “He knows what he did was wrong. He admitted what he did. He has repaid all the money. His heart was in a good place, but it was not the right means of helping his friend.”
Jefferson’s friend who received the kidney transplant was in court Friday.
Judge Kathy King Jackson said she had received letters of support for Jefferson and had heard nothing but good things about him until he committed this crime.
Jackson said she didn’t know what Jefferson was thinking when he stole the cash but decided to give him a chance to turn his life around.
The judge sentenced Jefferson to 20 years in prison, with 15 years suspended and five years to serve under house arrest. Jackson also fined him $5,000.
“I hope you make it through this ...,” Jackson said, “and I hope I never see you (here) again.”
