Former Mendenhall Police Chief Arrested

Donald “Bruce” Barlow, age 50, who served as the Mendenhall, Mississippi chief of police until October 2010, was arrested on March 7, 2013, by special agents of the FBI at approximately 12:00 p.m. at his residence in Mendenhall, Mississippi, pursuant to an indictment filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Barlow is charged with extortion and witness tampering. The arrest follows an investigation by the FBI, with support from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office.

Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI in Mississippi, stated, “Corrupt activities, such as those alleged to have been committed by former police chief Barlow, serve to erode the public’s confidence in law enforcement. Citizens have the right to expect law enforcement officers to adhere to high standards of conduct while also providing high standards of service. The FBI has as one of its highest priorities the investigation and prosecution of those who would violate the public’s trust for personal gain. Anyone with information regarding public corruption should contact the FBI.”

SAC McMullen stressed that the charges upon which the indictment and arrest of Donald “Bruce” Barlow are premised are accusations only, and there is a presumption of innocence prior to any judicial proceeding.