Two more members of a group of former Rankin County deputies known as “the Goon Squad” have been sentenced.
Christian Dedmon, 29, who faced the most charges and was implicated by the victims as the most brutal, was sentenced to 40 years Wednesday afternoon.
WJTV describes Dedmon as not looking at the victims as he spoke. He told the court he would never forgive himself for what he’d done.
Dedmon pleaded guilty to Home Invasion and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution. The state recommended 20 years with 15 to serve for all counts. He pleaded guilty to three counts in the second assault.
Daniel Opdyke, 28, was sentenced to 17.5 years minus time served earlier today in an emotional appearance in court. According to reports, Opdyke cried as he addressed the court, telling victims Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins that he has had plenty of time to think about how he became “a monster.”
Opdyke pleaded guilty to Obstruction of Justice/Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Obstruction of Justice/Hinder Prosecution. The state recommended 15 years in custody with five to serve. He also pleaded guilty to one count in the second assault.
