Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of three individuals convicted of crimes related to human trafficking and exploitation in Mississippi. The Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigations and prosecutions that led to these convictions.

“Predators who seek to exploit others in Mississippi will not go unpunished,” said Attorney General Fitch. “I commend our talented team of investigators and prosecutors at the Attorney General’s Office for their work to keep predators out of our communities. If you suspect someone is being trafficked or exploited, please contact my office. Your tip could be the key to serving justice for victims.”

Here are the three individuals arrested:

Bruce Cherry, Jr., 34, of Taylorsville, MS, was sentenced on August 30 by Forrest County Circuit Court Judge Robert Helfrich to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with three years to serve without the possibility of parole. Cherry’s arrest followed a May 2021 human trafficking operation in Hattiesburg.

James Wilder, 38, of Carthage, MS, was sentenced on September 3 by Leake County Circuit Court Judge Caleb May. Wilder received 10 years for tampering with physical evidence, with three years to serve day for day. He was also sentenced to 15 years for intimidating a witness, with seven years to serve. The case was reported by the Leake County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

John Dunn, 60, of Biloxi, MS, was sentenced on August 19 by Harrison County Circuit Court Judge Randi Mueller to 40 years in the custody of MDOC, with six years to serve day for day for child exploitation. Dunn must also register as a sex offender. His arrest stemmed from a CyberTip reported to the Attorney General’s Office.

If you suspect someone is being trafficked or exploited, you are asked to contact the Attorney General’s Office.