All 20 people charged in connection with a multi-year, drug-related investigation led by the FBI have pleaded not guilty.

Among those who have elected to contest their charges are Washington County Sheriff Milton Gaston and Humphreys County Sheriff Bruce Williams. The two, along with 18 others, were arrested on Oct. 30 for their alleged roles in a major drug trafficking conspiracy. An overwhelming majority of those arrested worked in law enforcement. Gaston’s attorney is state Rep. Derrick Simmons, while Williams is represented by Cleveland attorney Michael Carr.

According to a federal indictment, the law enforcement officers involved are said to have taken bribes ranging from $1,500 to $37,500 to aid and abet drug trafficking and associated crimes. The officers are believed to have work

See Full Page