In the wake of an article released by The New York Times and Mississippi Today alleging that Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey illegally used trusty inmates to do personal jobs and misappropriated county equipment and funds to his mother’s chicken farm based on stories told from federal prison by former Rankin County deputy Christian Dedmon, Bailey has countered through his department’s attorney, Jason Dare.
We have copied and pasted the entirety of what was sent to us from the Sheriff’s Department in this story in the name of transparency. Dare confirmed that the “unreliable sources” referenced in the response include Dedmon.
The Sheriff’s response is as follows, in red.
To keep the public informed about programs at the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and due to recent misconceptions about the Trusty Inmate and Work Release Programs, Sheriff Bailey has added a section to his website dedicated to both, including several success stories relayed by former Trustees and businesses that employ them.
Further, a recent attack on Sheriff Bailey and his family has maliciously used unreliable sources and/or false allegations in an attempt to tarnish his reputation and/or shut down the Trusty Programs (Rankin County has the only Work Release Program in Mississippi). The truth not disclosed by the article is as follows:
- Regardless of which governmental or private entity a Trustee works for, they are paid pursuant to statute and keep wages earned by them according to statute.
- Despite being authorized by statute to keep 15% of all wages earned by Trustees as an administrative fee, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department keeps none of their money and allows them to use or save that additional money in their own private bank accounts.
- Sheriff Bailey purchased ~ 25 loads of gravel from a local business and was given recycled, crushed concrete from a private demolition company that was used to cover roads at McLain Farms.
- Sheriff Bailey owns a skid steer that is all-but identical to and commonly confused for the one owned by Rankin County.
- The Rankin County Jail has its own chickens and chicken coop used for Trustees to have fresh eggs. The four brooder lamps, five heat lamp bulbs, one brooder house, chicken feed, and netting at issue in the article were purchased with seized drug funds for use at the Jail’s chicken coop and for the benefit of Trustees.
- The corn and other vegetables picked by Trustees at McLain Farms are given to the Trustees and brought back to the Jail for their use.
The Sheriff also released several testimonials from people whose lives have been affected for the better by the trusty program at Rankin County. That document is as follows, in red.
TRUSTY INMATE PROGRAM
The Trusty Inmate Program at the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department is designed to help non-violent offenders improve mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, thus being able to succeed in life without crime. Individuals come to the Program after having voluntarily pleaded guilty to a crime. But before being sentenced, the individual, their defense attorney, the prosecuting attorney, and the judge enter a memorandum of understanding whereby the Trustee agrees to serve time through the Trusty Inmate Program instead of in the Mississippi Department of Corrections system.
Once in the Program, a Trustee agrees to follow all rules and regulations at the Rankin County Jail and to engage in the following classes / programs:
- Celebrate Recovery Narcotics Anonymous
- Financial Management Mentoring Program
- GED Safe Serve Class
- College Courses Abiding Free Class
- Anger Management Bible Study Group
- Life Skills Counseling
- Physical Training Team
Trustees also agree to work in various departments and/or areas both inside and away from the Jail, depending on their status. While at the Jail, a Trustee may be responsible for working at the wood shop, the maintenance department, the sanitation department, the kitchen, the multiple gardens at the Jail, or tending to the animals allowed to stay at the Jail, including the numerous chickens at the Jail’s chicken coop. Outside of the Jail, Trustees work as auto mechanics, landscapers, maintenance, on road crews, and at the Animal Shelter. All Trustees learn life skills and means of staying free of drugs and alcohol once outside of prison. Over half of all Trustees obtain their GED and work towards college degrees while in the Program.
WORK RELEASE PROGRAM
A Trustee becomes eligible to enter the Work Release Program during their final year in the Trusty Inmate Program, provided they have maintained a record of good behavior while at the Jail and have completed at least five of the foregoing classes. The Work Release Program is authorized pursuant to Mississippi statute and Rankin County is the only county in Mississippi such a program.
Once Trustees voluntarily enter the Work Release Program, they must deposit all earnings into a bank account that they establish and maintain. Per statute, however, the participant must (i) pay 25% of his / her wages after mandatory deductions towards fines, child support, and/or restitution and (ii) save 50% such wages, with these savings not being available until after release from the Program. Mississippi statute authorizes the RCSD to keep 15% of the participant’s wages “for administrative expenses to include transportation costs” and authorizes the remaining 10% to be used by the participant while incarcerated. Even though authorized by statute, the RCSD does not charge any administrative fees and allows participants to use or save those wages.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS STORIES
The following quotes are success stories submitted by former participants of the Trusty Inmate Program and/or the Work Release Program, and their employers. All names and identifiable information for these individuals / businesses have been removed.
Additional success stories can be submitted through the online portal or directly to the RCSD.
In recent years, the concept of rehabilitation within the criminal justice system has gained significant attention, and Sheriff Bryan Bailey’s Jail Trustee Program stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation. This innovative program not only addresses the needs of inmates but also serves the community effectively. For individuals like me, who have found themselves involved in the justice system, the program has proven to be a perfect fit, offering a pathway to redemption and personal growth.
At its core, the Jail Trustee Program allows selected inmates to take on responsibilities within the jail and the surrounding community. These trustees are given the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, which can include cleaning public spaces, assisting in local charities, or participating in educational programs.
This structure not only helps inmates develop a sense of purpose but also fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility.
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For me, being part of the Jail Trustee Program has been a transformative
experience. It has allowed me to step outside the confines of my past mistakes and
contribute positively to society. The program emphasizes the importance of
community service, which has helped me understand the impact of my actions on
others. By participating in various projects, I have been able to give back to the
community that I once felt disconnected from, fostering a sense of belonging and
purpose.
Moreover, the program provides valuable skills and training that are essential for
reintegration into society. Through workshops and hands on experience, I have
gained practical skills that enhance my employability. Sheriff Bailey’s initiative
recognizes that inmates are not just offenders but individuals with potential. By
investing in our development, the program equips us with the tools needed to
succeed upon release, reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
The supportive environment created by the program is another aspect that works
perfectly for me. The staff and fellow trustees foster a sense of camaraderie and
encouragement. We share our stories, challenges, and aspirations, creating a
network of support that is crucial for personal growth. This sense of community has
helped me build self-esteem and confidence, allowing me to envision a brighter
future.
In conclusion, Sheriff Bryan Bailey’s Jail Trustee Program exemplifies a progressive
approach to criminal justice that prioritizes rehabilitation and community
engagement. For individuals like me, the program offers a second chance-a chance
to learn, grow, and contribute positively to society. It is a testament to the belief that
everyone deserves the opportunity to change and make amends, and I am grateful
to be part of a program that works perfectly for my journey toward redemption.
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I am writing to thank the Rankin County Trustee program for changing my life. In the
past, I lived a life of drug use, selling, and many other unspeakable things. I grew up
in the fast life and the world of crime. For a long time, it was all I knew. I remember
praying to whatever God may have been listening at the time to either take me out or
help me find a way out of the way I was living. Little did I know, the answer to that
prayer would come in the form of a jail sentence. I had been to prison before, but all
it taught me was how to commit bigger crimes and gave me a new network of
criminals with whom to compare strategies for more crimes. We were treated like
animals in prison and as just another number in the system. So, when I was
released, an animal was exactly what I acted like. Rankin County was so very
different. They poured love into me. They taught me things like how to follow a
routine, how to make a goal and make progress toward it, and eventually achieve it.
The program taught me to never quit, and the meaning of self-discipline. It taught me
how to follow a routine and get up and go to work every morning even when I didn’t
feel like it. It taught me how to budget the money I made and save for my future. I
learned how to be reliable and trustworthy. The most important thing I gained from
being a trustee was learning about God and developing a relationship with Him. I
was able to attend Seminary School while I was there and graduated with an
associate’s degree in Christian education. I now use that to teach English parttime at
that same school as a way to give back what was freely given to me. The last year of
being there I was able to work at an actual job. Due to the qualities the trustee
program taught us, I was quickly promoted to management and became a very
valued employee. The program taught me the type of people I need in my life, which
means my friends have changed drastically. I no longer associate with people from
my past life and am instead focused on my family and bettering our future. None of
this would have been possible without the love and guidance I received from the
Rankin County Trustee Program. I am so grateful that God had different plans for me
than I had for myself.
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… I am 36 years young and I am a child of God and the Daughter of the one true
king! Let me just say it’s not always been rainbows and butterflies for me from a very
young age. I was in a broken home with addiction and domestic situations so as I
grew up that was the norm for me. I started using drugs and alcohol at a very young
age my first drink was when I was 8 years old on my birthday. And my first drug was
very soon after that. That started a downward spiral of getting arrested and going to
rehab centers but with me being so young I was also naive about life I believed
anything that anybody had to say.
… Let me just say that that night being arrested … saved my life and put me back on
track to fully give my life to Jesus and really mean it this time.
I stayed in general population from January 6 to June 24. I remember the exact day
because on June 23 I gave my life to Jesus Christ and fully surrendered everything I
kept so close for so long to Jesus. From the first day in the trustee program, I felt so
much love and compassion not only from the girls that came before me but Ms. Kristi
Shanks and Sheriff Bryan Bailey those two beautiful people are living for God and it
shows how they are showing up for the ones who could get lost in the judicial
system but instead, they helped get us lost into our own personal walk with Jesus.
Being a trustee I had a lot of privileges like free calls, free world groceries, in person
visits, bible studies on Mondays, celebrate recovery on Wednesdays, therapy one
on one, and group therapy we learned more and more about how to be better people
in society when it was our time to be released. The ones who walked into jail with no
education got a chance to get their high school diploma and I am one of those
blessed enough to have gotten my high school diploma while incarcerated at Rankin
County Jail that alone pushed me to further my education and I will be starting vet
school in fall of this year.
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I am a former trustee in the Rankin County Sheriff's Department Trustee Program.
When I came to Rankin County Jail in the summer of 2018, I was run down both
physically and mentally. I was tired of the way I had been living for the last 15 years
of my life. After the first two weeks of sitting in a cell, I was chosen for the trustee
program. I started working in the kitchen. I started to work my way up through the jail
jobs. I eventually was chosen to have a job working as a trustee for the … police
department. Although I was disgusted with myself and didn’t know what the years to
come would bring, the police department and workers at the Jail helped me realize
my potential. My life was not over due to my bad decisions through the years. The
sheriff’s department offered Christian-based programs, such as Celebrate Recovery,
one-on-one mentors, and small group bible studies throughout my time. I also had
the opportunity to attend Narcotics Anonymous group meetings while I was in jail.
The 3 years I spent at Rankin County Jail were by no means easy, but through all of
the help of the Rankin County Trustee Program, I was able to work on mending
relationships and friendships as well as making new friends along the way. Since I
have been released, I have remained sober, completely out of trouble, and am fully
employed by …. I have mended all of the relationships with my family who stuck by
my side to see me through. Since then, I have gotten engaged and plan to get
married next year. With all of this being said, I firmly believe that none of these
amazing things would have happened in my life had I not gotten chosen to be a part
of the trustee program. I am very appreciative of all the doors that have opened for
me because of the hard work and dedication of the people in charge of the trustee
program. The day I was released, I asked to go speak with the Sheriff personally so I
could thank him for all he had done for me. All the things that he is doing in the jail
do not go unnoticed by people in the outside world as well as the inmates inside the
jail walls. Because of the sheriff’s department and Sheriff Bryan Bailey, I am a
productive member of society today and plan on carrying on the things I have
learned in this trustee program throughout my future endeavors.
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I’m writing to share my story about the trustee program at Rankin County Jail and
how it completely changed my life. I also want to highlight the role Sheriff Bryan
Bailey played in making all of it possible. I spent five years in the Rankin County Jail,
and for the last two years, I was part of the trustee program as a Blue Suit. During
that time, I worked as a trustee for the Mississippi Highway Patrol and earned my
Class B CDL license. That program gave me skills, confidence, and a real chance to
turn my life around when I got out. Since my release, my life has completely
changed. I’ve mended relationships with my kids, married an amazing, successful
woman, and we now have twin boys who just turned one. On top of that, I started my
own trucking business, and I’m using the CDL license I earned in the trustee
program to support my family and build a future I’m proud of.
Sheriff Bailey played a huge role in this. He believes in second chances and treats
inmates like people, not just numbers. He gives us opportunities to better ourselves
and really cares about what happens to us after we leave. The trustee program is
just one example of the kind of programs he supports, and it’s made all the
difference in my life.
I’ll always be grateful to Sheriff Bailey and the staff at Rankin County Jail for giving
me the tools and opportunities I needed to succeed. I’m proof that second chances
can work, and I hope my story shows just how much good the trustee program – and
Sheriff Bailey’s leadership – can do.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
___________________________________
I attended the Rankin County Trustee Work Program in 2021, where I spent three
years. This program yielded remarkable results, profoundly impacting my life and
empowering me to become a better person. The officers and staff displayed
exceptional courtesy throughout my tenure. I firmly believe that the trustee program
was a turning point in my life, and I consider the Rankin County Jail to be one of the
most outstanding correctional facilities I have encountered.
After my release, I experienced significant success, securing employment, acquiring
my own residence and vehicle, and establishing a thriving family. In conclusion, my
experience at the Rankin County Jail was overwhelmingly positive.
Thank you for everything!
___________________________________
I am writing to share my heartfelt gratitude and to express how the Rankin County
Trustee Program has impacted my life. Participating in this program was a
transformative experience that I will always be grateful for. I was a part of the
Trustee Program from August 2020 to February 2022. Before this time, I was active
in addiction and I felt helpless and uncertain about my future. Through this program,
I was able to get sober and stay sober for 4 and a half years. I was also giving the
opportunity to work for a company that I still work for today. I was able to restore and
maintain healthy relationships with my family.
I will always have the deepest appreciation to everyone involved in the Rankin
County Sheriff’s Department from Sheriff Bailey, Kristi Shanks, the officers, guards,
mentors, and the ladies that were in there with me. This program truly changed my
life. I hope that the Trustee Program will continue to grow and help others like me.
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I was accepted into the program in 2019. I was a drug-addicted, broken, heartless
person. In my mind, there wasn’t any hope for me. They were offering me 40 years
in MDOC. I would have died there. I reached out to the Sheriff Bryan Bailey and Mrs.
Kristi Shanks and basically begged for my life!! I needed help. That’s exactly what
they gave me a life changing experience in the Rankin County Trustee Program. My
transformation began! I was able to build a relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ,
and graduated Celebrate Recovery, money management class, Family First, GED,
and computer skills class. I was also a part of the Physical Training program that is
offered by Captain Barry Vaughn. It is for strengthening our minds to help us prepare
for the outside world. The Rankin County Trustee Program saved me!! It taught me
how to live with drug and alcohol-free!! How to be a good person!! I spent 5 years in
the Trustee Program, and I can say it was the best 5 years of my life!! Mrs. Kristi and
Sheriff Bryan Bailey also helped me get a wonderful job when I was released!! They
helped me with transportation when I got out!!
I will recommend the Rankin County Trustee Program to anyone that's ready to
change for the better!!!
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This was my second time being incarcerated as I served almost 3 years in MDOC at
the age of 19. During my time in prison, I was housed at several different state
facilities where I took part in several trustee programs and classes they offered, I
graduated from each one. These classes helped me mentally mature a little, or so I
thought, but completing them took time off my sentence.
Fast forward years later in the darkest time of my life, I found myself in a position as
a trustee in the Rankin County Jail from May 2019 until May 2021. It was during
these times that I truly had the greatest growth and change of heart thus far in my
journey outside of giving my life to Christ. Faith-based programs, the classes, the
work programs, the experience, and the growth. It is truly a blessing. It is very
apparent that the sheriff has a passion for rehabilitation and that means a lot to me
because the prison system had absolutely zero. There is no rehabilitation in prison.
Every step of the Rankin County Trustee program seems like it was designed for
preparation for rehabilitation and equipped with the mental tools to be a positive
productive citizen and released back into society as a better person. Of course, you
have to have the want and the will, and when you hit rock bottom and find that you
get thrown into prison where there is no seeking that. The Rankin County trustee
program was honestly the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The resources, the
knowledge, the growth, and the support system leaving there has been everything to
me which has allowed me to be the best version of myself for my kids and my family.
___________________________________
I was a Rankin County trustee from June of 2017 to May of 2019. … As a young
adult facing the circumstances I put myself in, my life was forever affected and the
day I was sentenced was a dreary day in my life. The Rankin County trustee
program offered a second chance, to not be thrown away in prison, but to try and
learn from my past mistakes and have a chance at a normal life after my sentence.
The trustee program allowed me to do things that gave me hope for a successful life
when I was released. They offered multiple classes and courses that taught me how
to live a better life. I got to be involved in many different jobs, which taught me many
valuable life skills while also giving me a purpose while I was incarcerated. I was
also able to enroll and complete online college courses while I was a trustee, which
kickstarted me getting my bachelor’s degree shortly after being released. This led to
me landing a job after college, where I have recently been promoted to branch
manager, leading and supervising others. I often think about how much different my
life would be if I were sent to prison instead of the trustee program. I without a doubt
do not think I would be where I am today, if it weren’t for the program, Bryan Bailey,
Barry Vaughn, and the other leaders involved. I am forever grateful to have been
given the opportunity to serve my sentence in the Rankin County trustee program.
___________________________________
I did 2 years in the Rankin County trustee program an let me tell you, it changed my
life 100 percent, it wasn’t easy but I don’t think it was designed to be easy, the way I
see it is, if it was easy everybody would be doing it, only the strong survive, but once
you do complete the program it’s a great feeling to actually accomplish something,
but because of the trustee program I have hope now and a future and when I first
got there I had neither. It taught me a better way of life, it taught me how to live a
normal life, it taught me how to interact with other people, it taught me a schedule a
routine, it taught me that doing the same thing every day is ok as long as it’s the
right thing that you’re doing, it’s the very best thing that I could have went through at
the time. Since I’ve been home I kept my schedule but with a little more freedom lol.
I’m currently working 60 hours a week. I bought me a nice truck an still saving
money for bigger and better things. I also have a peace of mind I go to report to my
p.o. with no worries and that feels really good knowing I can get up every morning
without have to look over my shoulder because I’m doing the right thing. God is also
in my life he is showing up an showing out, I’m closer to God now more than ever.
The church services was awesome. I learned so many different things, an some I
already knew it just showed me a better way to look at it, so the Rankin county
trustee program is made for an open heart and a open mind, with a Lil bit of effort
will go a long way, so I just wanted to thank the Rankin county trustee program for
allowing me to be a part of it, and that it has completely changed my life, without it I
would not be where I am today, so I thank you for that sincerely.
___________________________________
Three years ago I was a part of the Rankin County Sheriff Trustee Program. I was in
the program for two years and those two years were a very crucial time in my life.
Going through the program I learned the way I was doing things was not the best
way to approach life. I came from a broken home without my father in my life full
time, my mom did the best she could to raise me right, I got around the wrong
people and made some bad choices that almost landed me forty-four years in prison
but by the grace of God I was sentenced to the trustee program. In the program I
learned to submit to authority, respect law enforcement, and make better life
choices.
During the program, I was assigned to the road department to clean bathrooms, mop
floors, and anything else that was asked of me. During this time, I was hired as a
part-time employee and that led me into a full-time position when I was released
from jail. Since my release, I have started a career with … and became a productive
member of the community. I also obtained my class A CDL, my G.E.D, and multiple
certifications pertaining to my job position. The relationship with my mother and
daughter has been completely restored, I recently got married six months ago and
became a father to three additional children and one grandchild. I am also in the
process of buying my first house.
There is no way that any of this would have happened if I had been sentenced to
MDOC. I am so grateful for the sheriff's trustee program; through God and this
program, my life was saved. I am very thankful that I was given a second chance in
life and have been fully rehabilitated. I live a peaceful life with my family and do what
God designed me for.
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When I first entered the program, I didn’t really know what all the trustee program
entailed. During my previous times locked up at the same facility, I had learned that
there were trustees but was never sure what all they did or the benefits of the
program. While serving time as a trustee I was astonished at the responsibility and
freedom they gave us as we worked the program. The program starts the same with
everyone. The first step is to become a kitchen worker and then the individual is
promoted according to the jobs that need to be filled. The next steps are either a red
suit, which can be either at the jail or at a related Rankin County facility, and an
orange suit, which is called road crew. The step-up gives a few more privileges while
also giving the trustees added responsibilities. This is further demonstrated once
they progress to grey suit and then to blue suit. It is getting the trustee more
prepared to reenter society as they progress with the final part being a blue suit. At
this point, they are allowed to have an off-site job, get their own groceries, and have
a savings plan in place, which is one step before they are released. In my
experience in the program, the most lasting impact is also, as you progress, the one-
on-one you have with the staff at the facility.
The officers there take the time to get to know the trustee, as well as look for
alternatives for them when they are eventually released. When I came into the
facility, I was already in the union apprenticeship program and had most of my future
plans worked out. Yet with some trustees, this isn’t the case, and the officers there
are more than willing to help provide any assistance needed. Whether it is schooling
while they are still trustees, employment opportunities, and even halfway houses,
the officers are willing to help. Another asset the facility provides is called the Net.
It’s a Christian-based counseling service that takes a one-on-one role in providing
help. My experience with the counseling went very well and it helped me see what
had led me on the path I had taken as well as proactive solutions to prevent further
incarcerations. Overall, the program has procedures in place that will go above and
beyond for anyone willing to make the decision to change past behaviors. While the
results still depend on the individual themselves and their willingness to change, the
program gives plenty of opportunities to make the best of a bad situation and provide
a way forward. If a trustee is ready to get away from whatever led them to the
Rankin County Detention Center, the program is designed and ready to give them a
new chance at life.
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The trustee program helped form me into the man I am today. The program put me
in a position to make the right decisions instead of the wrong ones that got me in jail
in the first place. They provide many opportunities and options to get you prepared
for life when you get released. From recovery programs to getting your GED, even
college for some that want to take it to the next level. From getting your driver’s
license, birth certificate, and social security card, to getting a job before you are
released so you can be prepared when it’s time to leave. The trustee program puts
you around officers who care and want to see you succeed in life. Without the
program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am still working at the job the program
helped me get before I left the program. The trustee program gave me the tools to
succeed in life and with that, I’m a better man and father. I’m forever grateful for the
program and hope to see it continue to help those who want to change their life.
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I have to give a little background to be able to explain how the trustee program
changed my life. I’m … 32 years old, and a drug addict since 13. I’ve been in the
Rankin County system since I was a juvenile, cycling through jails, institutions, and
group homes. In 2016, at 22, I was a trustee but relapsed after getting bonded out. I
was arrested several times after that and in 2020, I was extradited from Louisiana to
Mississippi and given another chance at being a trustee. I developed a work ethic,
earned my GED, and participated in classes like computer technology and celebrate
recovery. I even got to walk across the stage in a cap and gown. The trustee
program helped me transition back to the real world. During my 27 months as a
trustee, I learned to live, not just exist. My life is forever changed. I participated in the
sheriff’s work release pilot program, got a job at … and achieved financial stability.
What matters most is the support system that believes in me. I have 5 years
SOBER! That is what the trustee and the sheriff and all the employees who took
their time to pour into me did!!! The Rankin County trustee program was the best
thing that’s ever happened to me, and I am and will forever be grateful!
___________________________________
I am writing this letter to thank the Rankin County Trustee Program. If you knew me
before I joined the program, you wouldn’t recognize the man I am today due to the
program. I was a very troubled young man who made many questionable decisions.
Even after all of that, the people involved in the program saw something in me that I
did not see in myself. The program taught me how to work. I also learned how to
listen, take direction, and allow myself to be teachable. I am so thankful the Trustee
Program gave me a fighting chance to have a better life and be a better man than I
ever thought possible. I used to feel like I didn’t deserve to have anything good in life
because I was a terrible person. The program helped teach me that people make
mistakes and are not defined by their past, as long as they are willing to make a
change and be different. The program helped me to build a better me and a better
life.
I have a job at a metal fabricating shop that I’ve held for the past couple of years,
and I am learning new things constantly. I show up on time every single day and
even volunteer for overtime whenever it is available. I am clean and happier than I
have ever been. I found a partner with the same type of goals to share my life with
and build a future. My family didn’t talk to me for 13 years because of the way I was,
and now I talk to them on a daily basis and see them regularly. We are there for
every holiday and they are very proud of the man the Trustee Program has made
me.
The program is truly the best thing that ever could have happened to me. I am so
grateful it is there to love and help people like me.
___________________________________
Writing this, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion, revisiting one of the most
challenging yet transformative times of my life. My time in the Rankin County Trustee
Program tested me in ways I never imagined but also gave me the strength and
tools to rebuild a better version of myself. As a single rnother, my son was my world.
We spent every moment together, and being separated from him was an
indescribable pain. My family was my rock, and we were inseparable, getting
together several times a week. Being away from them wasn’t just a physical
separation – it was an emotional and mental void that felt impossible to fill.
But as I began working in the program, small moments of grace helped ease that
pain. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities you gave me – keeping my hands and
mind busy during the day by working helped me endure. The little things meant more
to me than you’ll ever know: being able to see my son, sharing time with my family,
and even having the privilege of enjoying meals they prepared for me. In my culture,
food is more than nourishment; it’s a connection, a tradition, and a comfort. That
small gesture carried a weight you can’t put into words.
The creative skills I rediscovered during the program – sewing, painting, and drawing
– brought light to dark days. And when I was allowed to work at my family’s
restaurant, it felt like a miracle. Being trusted with that privilege to earn money,
contribute to my fines, and spend Saturdays with my loved ones was a gift I will
never forget. Words cannot express the gratitude I felt then and continue to feel now.
None of these things would have ever happened if Captain Vaughn, Sheriff Bailey,
and Ms. Kristi didn’t believe in me and make it possible. They were incredibly
supportive and people really need that, or at least I did.
The workout program was another unexpected gift. It was grueling at first – I had
never worked out before, and I wanted to quit so many times. But thanks to the
persistence and encouragement of Captain Vaughn, Lt. Thompson, and Officer
McCray, I found a strength I didn’t know I had. That perseverance taught me grit,
tenacity, and a resilience that now defines my life. Fitness has become a part of me,
and I enjoy the time l spend being active with my family.
Four years later, I can say without hesitation that the Trustee Program changed my
life for the better. It’s not something that I would have chosen for myself, but it was
something I needed and I am a better person because of it. I’ve learned to structure
my days, cherish every moment with my family, and embrace the value of second
chances. I strive daily to show the same kindness and compassion to others that I
was shown during my time in the program.
To everyone who helped me along this journey – thank you. Your support, your
patience, and your unwavering encouragement made all the difference. This
program didn’t just change my life; it gave me my life back.
___________________________________
Being part of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department Trustee Program was a truly
life-changing experience for me. Before joining, I was a hard worker and skilled in
construction, but I didn’t have a clear plan for my life. Spending five years in the
program gave me the time and structure I needed to think deeply, grow, and
rebuild my path. Before this incident, I had never been in trouble. Adjusting to the
situation was tough at first, and while I never got entirely comfortable, I learned to
create habits and routines that grounded me. One of the things I’m most grateful for
was the opportunity to stay connected with my family during that time. Being able to
work and send money home to my mom, who lived far away, meant the world to me.
The physical workout program, along with the chance to participate in races and
marathons, became one of my favorite parts of the program. l had never worked out
before and it was incredible for both my mental health and overall discipline.
Attending church services regularly also helped me reconnect with something I’d
been missing for years. I grew up going to church and being able to return to that
foundation helped me find clarity and purpose.
Sheriff Bailey, Captain Vaughn, and Lt. Thompson were pivotal in turning my life
around. They didn’t just oversee my time in the program – they actively supported my
journey. After my release, they helped me secure a great job with benefits and
retirement, something I never imagined I’d have. At 33, I had never been to
college, but with their encouragement and guidance. I earned a scholarship and
got started. Four years later, I’ve earned a Technical Certificate, an Associate’s
Degree, and am close to finishing my Bachelor’s Degree.
Today, I own a construction business that’s doing well, and I have a family I likely
would have never met if it weren’t for this journey. The Trustee Program didn’t just
teach me discipline and structure: it gave me the tools to create a meaningful and
successful life.
I remain in touch with Sheriff Bailey and Captain Vaughn, who I’m proud to call
friends. I’ll always be grateful for the guidance, second chances, and opportunities
they gave me. My experience in the Trustee Program set the foundation for
everything I have today, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
___________________________________
I spent 2 years in the trustee program at the Rankin County jail. It was the most
influential two years of my life. The Lord saved me in zone 201 cell 102. I was given
the opportunity to be disciplined by men who are now my best friends (8 years later).
When I became a trustee, Sheriff Bryan Bailey told me that he was a man of second
chances, and I now know it to be true. While in the Trustee program, I was treated
as a man of integrity – and I was reminded of what true friendship was. It was a
crucial and life-changing time for me. The Lord has used the Sheriff and his trustee
program to change countless lives. I will be forever thankful for the time I spent as a
trustee.
I have been out of jail for 7 years. I have a loving wife and three amazing children.
I’m now a co-owner of a property management company. I have loving and healthy
relationships with all of my friends and family. All this is because Jesus specializes in
cases like mine, and the avenue He took me down to meet Him was through the
Rankin County Jail Trustee Program.
___________________________________
I want to start by saying I am so grateful for the Rankin County Trustee Program.
When I first got there, I was and had nothing to my name. I burned the only bridge I
ever built in my life due to my drug addiction. I never had a purpose after I got
caught again because I thought I would go back to prison for over 20 years. But I got
the opportunity to accept a deal to stay as a trustee there under Sheriff Bryan Bailey.
This decision was the best thing I have ever done in my life. Throughout the program
you can move up and work outside jobs and also have the weekend visits where you
can try to mend those broken bridges with your family, and today that is exactly what
has happened in my life. The Rankin County Jail Trustee Program works miracles in
people’s lives and truthfully is a blessing that they help the ones that truly want and
need it. The program has made me the man I am today. I cannot give enough praise
to everyone who is involved in this program under Sheriff Bryan Bailey. If it can
change me then it can truly change anybody.
___________________________________
In 2015-2016 I was going down a road that was leading to destruction. I was taking
anything and everything to cover my feelings of hopelessness and failure. I had a
rough childhood and ended up making bad decisions starting at a very young age. I
had nobody to guide me in the right direction and mentor me to do the right things in
life until I came to Rankin County jail and was in the trustee program. Sheriff Bryan
Bailey and Kristi Shanks showed me there was a way to live clean, sober, and
happy. They saw something in me that I never saw in myself and that gave me hope
for a future. I went to multiple rehabs, and they never helped. The trustee program
was the best rehab I ever got. The program allowed me to get closer to God, learn
healthy living skills, and have a structured schedule.
I never thought I’d be where I am today and without the help of the sheriff’s office
and the trustee program, I wouldn’t be here.
___________________________________
I currently have two trustees working with my company …. They are both doing
outstanding work. They have excelled in expectations. They are always willing to
work. I see them striving to better themselves. In the future, I would like more
trustees like them. The Sheriff has created a great program for these guys, and I am
amazed by the progress that it is making.
___________________________________
We are writing to express our gratitude and provide feedback regarding the Rankin
County Sheriff’s Department Trustee Program, which we have been utilizing for
almost two years. During this time, the trustees assigned to our business have
consistently demonstrated exceptional work ethic, courtesy, and dedication to both
our team and our customers.
Over the course of our participation in this program, we have had the opportunity to
work with nine trustees. Their contributions have been invaluable in numerous ways,
including operating heavy machinery, loading and unloading trucks, and transporting
materials to various job locations. Currently, we are utilizing five trustees, and their
efforts have significantly alleviated the workload on our management team.
This program has not only benefited our business operations but has also provided
the trustees with opportunities to develop skills and gain experience that will aid in
their reintegration into society upon their release. We firmly believe that this initiative
is instrumental in helping these individuals get back on their feet and transition
successfully into the community. In fact, two former trustees who were released from
the program stayed on with us long enough to secure stable footing in their personal
and professional lives.
The relationship we have built with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and the
trustees has been a positive and productive one. Based on our experience, we fully
intend to continue utilizing the Trustee Program in our business operations. We
deeply value the trustworthiness, reliability, and professionalism that the trustees
have exhibited throughout their time with us.
Thank you for providing such a beneficial program that not only supports local
businesses but also empowers individuals to rebuild their lives. We look forward to
maintaining this partnership and witnessing the continued success of this initiative.
___________________________________
I have been using Trustees in my business for several years. It has been a
rewarding experience for me in teaching an individual the trade of metal working.
The Trustee program is a valuable program for the Trustees and the employers that
use them. It gives the employers an opportunity to have an employee to work for
them for a period to get trained and accustomed to the working environment of that
employer. Here at … we treat the Trustees like any other employee. We do not hold
anything against them for the situation they are in. We try to show them that there is
a better way in life than what they have been doing in the past. We passionately
remind them that their past is the past and they can make better choices. We give
them every opportunity to gain experience in the metal fabrication trade while they
are here in the part-time status. We encourage them to learn all they can, so when
they get released, they have some experience to use in finding full-time
employment. We offer all Trustees full-time employment when they are released. We
believe that this gets them back into society with a purpose. All the trustees have
always been model employees and seem to enjoy the opportunity to get excellent
work experience. We have had several to stay with us, working to further learn the
metal working trade. With more experience they have been able to move up in the
company and become valuable employees. When the Trustee is released, hopefully,
they will continue to work for that employer in a full-time status. They can train the
next Trustee on the job from their experience.
