OXFORD, Miss. — Former Hollandale Police Chief Brandon Addison, 41, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to charges related to the transportation and distribution of illegal drugs across the Mississippi Delta and into Memphis via Highway 61.
According to federal authorities, Addison is identified as the principal defendant in a broader drug trafficking case involving multiple former law enforcement officers in the Mississippi Delta region.
Charges and Guilty Plea
Court records indicate Addison pleaded guilty to:
- Conspiracy to transport and distribute illegal narcotics
Federal prosecutors previously alleged that Addison:
- Accepted approximately $37,500 in bribe payments
- Participated in multiple drug transport operations
- Traveled to Miami in April 2023 and September 2024 to meet with individuals he believed to be members of a Mexican drug cartel, who were in fact undercover FBI agents
Additional charges, including firearm-related offenses and aiding and abetting drug transport on multiple occasions, were formally dropped as part of a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
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Scope of the Federal Investigation
The case stems from a broader federal investigation that resulted in six indictments unsealed on Oct. 30 by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Authorities reported that more than 14 current and former law enforcement officers and associates were charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Arrests were carried out during coordinated early-morning operations, in some cases at private residences, involving federal agents.
Agencies and jurisdictions implicated include:
- Sheriff’s offices in Washington, Humphreys, and Sunflower counties
- Police departments in Greenville, Greenwood, Isola, Hollandale, Metcalfe, and Yazoo City
Alleged Drug Trafficking Activity
According to the indictment, the conspiracy involved the transport and distribution of approximately 55 pounds of cocaine across multiple operations.
Federal authorities allege that:
- Addison and associates escorted narcotics shipments on multiple occasions
- Operations occurred in March 2023, October 2023, March 2024, and July 2024
- Participants also escorted proceeds from drug trafficking activities
The investigation was initiated after a confidential informant introduced Addison and another defendant to an undercover FBI agent posing as a cartel member offering payments for protection and transport of narcotics.
Co-Defendants and Case Status
Addison was arrested on Oct. 30 along with multiple other current and former law enforcement personnel and associates.
Key developments include:
- Former Washington County Sheriff Bruce Williams has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial
- Former deputy Javery Howard is scheduled to change his plea on March 26
- Charges against Washington County deputy Amber Holmes were dropped due to exonerating evidence
- Remaining defendants are scheduled for trial on July 20 in Oxford
Additional individuals named in indictments include former officers, a corrections officer, and civilians with various professional backgrounds.
Prior Employment History
Public records indicate Addison previously served in multiple law enforcement roles, including:
- Police Chief in Hollandale
- Deputy with the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office
- Officer with police departments in Arcola and Metcalfe
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills accepted Addison’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Aug. 13.
Following his arrest, Addison was released under the conditions of a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Addison faces:
- A potential prison sentence ranging from 10 years to life
- Fines of up to $10 million
Neither Addison nor his attorney was immediately available for comment.
Current Status
- Brandon Addison has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges
- Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13
- Multiple co-defendants are awaiting trial or plea changes
- Federal prosecution remains ongoing in the Northern District of Mississippi
FAQ
What did Brandon Addison plead guilty to?
Addison pleaded guilty to conspiracy related to the transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics.
How many individuals are involved in the case?
Federal indictments include more than 14 current and former law enforcement officers and associates.
What substances were involved?
Authorities allege the conspiracy involved approximately 55 pounds of cocaine.
What penalties could Addison face?
He faces a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison and fines up to $10 million under federal guidelines.
When is sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
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