MARSHALL COUNTY CONSTABLE PLEADS GUILTY TO DISTRIBUTION

"Big" Jerry Wilkins plead guilty today in federal court to conspiracy to
distribute cocaine and extortion undercover of public right.

Wilkins, a Marshall County Constable, was caught in a joint investigation
between federal and state law enforcement agencies into drug trafficking,
illegal gambling and corruption.

Currently, 31 people have been convicted, over $4 million in assets
acquired and large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana seized.

Many of the people convicted in the investigation are from North
Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. Like Wilkins, a number of others
convicted work in local law enforcement.

Bobby Barksdale, who pled guilty to extortion undercover of official right,
was a deputy sheriff in Marshall County. Barksdale is still awaiting sentencing

Jimmy Howell, who also pled guilty to extortion under cover of official
right, is the former police chief of Holly Springs. Howell too is awaiting
sentencing.

Charles Gregory, who pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and
unlawful sale of firearms, was a police officer in Jackson, Tenn. Gregory
was sentenced to 50 months in prison.

"All people (disclosed Thursday) have plead guilty or been convicted," said
Jim Greenlee, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi.

These men, along with the other 27 men and women, were convicted as a
result of investigation "Dirty Pool" by the FBI and operation "Mojave
Desert Snow."

The investigation revealed a drug racket including people from Mississippi,
Tennessee, Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Mexico.

In total the scheme distributed a total of more than 750 pounds of cocaine,
90,000 pounds of marijuana and 40 pounds of methamphetamine, the Justice
Department said.

There are some investigations still underway and Greenlee said he could not
give names but said some other public figures may be included.

The investigation began with an investigation by the U.S. Attorney into
illegal gambling and drug trafficking in Marshall County, and quickly
ballooned to international drug trade and public corruption.

Currently the investigations have seized 10 properties throughout southern
Tennessee, northern Mississippi and a farm in Hidalgo County, Texas. They
also acquired $588,492.00 in cash, 11 automobiles including a 1978
Chevrolet Silver Anniversary Corvette. Thirty-eight firearms, a $280,000
promissory note and $153,000 will be earned by the sale of Gabby's Pallets,
a money laundering portion of the scheme.