OXFORD — A former Ruleville police officer has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to extortion under color of law.
Antonio Wade, 37, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Court records show Wade admitted to extorting money from an undocumented immigrant during a traffic stop. Prosecutors said evidence presented during sentencing showed Wade engaged in a pattern of similar conduct.
Following the hearing, Wade was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
“While illegal entry is a crime, those that do enter illegally should never be extorted by those in power,” U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said in a statement. “Public service is a public trust and maintaining that trust is essential.”
Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright said the case demonstrates that law enforcement officers who abuse their authority will be held accountable.
“Wade’s conviction and sentencing send a clear message that no one is above the law, especially those sworn to enforce it,” Wright said.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims.
