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Press Release

Former Jackson Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of a Federal Investigation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Mississippi

Jackson, Miss. - Mark Coleman, 57, a former Jackson Police Officer, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to obstruction of a federal investigation by destroying and concealing text messages and images of a minor female, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

Upon learning that a 16 year old female with whom Coleman had a relationship had been reported as a runaway, Coleman attempted to delete text messages and images of the female from his phone in an attempt to prevent federal investigators from connecting him to the runaway. His attempt at concealing his relationship failed, and Coleman was arrested.  He was charged in a federal criminal indictment on July 14, 2020.

Coleman’s sentencing hearing is set for April 29, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.  He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

The case was investigated by the The Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes is prosecuting the case.

Updated January 21, 2021