UPDATE:
Former Interim Hinds County Sheriff and Jackson Public Service Commissioner Marshand Crisler was found guilty on federal charges of soliciting a bribe and providing ammunition to a convicted felon on Friday. Court documents said Crisler solicited and accepted thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for turning over information about criminal investigations. He will be sentenced in February.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A former Jackson city councilman and one-time interim Hinds County Sheriff will stand trial on federal charges.
Marshand Crisler appeared in federal court today to face charges following a high-profile indictment that alleges misconduct, including bribery and abuse of office. He faces two felony charges: one count of accepting bribes in exchange for favors and one count of providing ammunition to a convicted felon. Crisler was serving as interim sheriff and was indicted last year.
The charges stem from accusations that the sheriff accepted bribes in exchange for official favors and compromised his duty to the public.
Former Interim Sheriff Marshand Crisler pleads not guilty on 2 federal charges
The indictment, which was made public earlier this year, details allegations that the sheriff used his position to solicit payments from individuals in exchange for special treatment. The document accuses him of taking advantage of his role to secure financial gains, including several interactions with convicted felons where alleged bribes were exchanged in return for reduced penalties or favorable outcomes in legal matters.
According to federal prosecutors, the sheriff met on multiple occasions with individuals who were either under investigation or had prior criminal records, agreeing to assist in their cases in return for money. The indictment further alleges that these interactions included promises to relocate inmates to safer detention areas and assurances that certain cases would receive special attention.
It is alleged that Crisler met with a convicted felon named Tonarri Moore six times between September 2021 and November 2021. During these meetings, he allegedly accepted $9,500 in payments from Moore. In return, Crisler allegedly promised various favors. He allegedly hired Moore at the Hinds County penal farm and relocated Moore’s cousin to a safer unit at Raymond Detention Center.
In court, the sheriff’s defense team argued that the allegations were politically motivated and that the meetings cited in the indictment were part of the sheriff’s official duties to maintain communication with community members, including those seeking second chances. His attorney stated, “Our client has served Hinds County with dedication, and we believe the evidence will show he did not act with criminal intent.”
WLBT outlined the meetings that Moore allegedly participated in:
- September 14, 2021: Crisler met Moore in Clinton, where he allegedly requested $5,000 in installments, agreeing to help if Moore’s name appeared in official matters.
- September 17, 2021: At the Fourth Ave. Cigar Company parking lot, Crisler reportedly received a $2,500 payment, promising to move Moore’s cousin to a safer area.
- September 24, 2021: Crisler allegedly accepted a second $2,500 payment at the Night Lyfe Club parking lot, promising Moore a job with the sheriff’s department.
- October 25, 2021: Another $2,000 payment was exchanged, and later that day, Crisler allegedly provided Moore with 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition at a Walmart on Highway 18.
- November 19, 2021: At Night Lyfe, Crisler allegedly promised Moore a level of freedom, with Moore expressing a need to carry a firearm for business security, despite being a felon.
The trial continues as both sides present evidence and witnesses.
