PHILADELPHIA, Miss.–Jeffrey Todd WIllis is up for parole and Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark has made his opposition to Willis’ release public.
Clark said in a letter to the state parole board that he was personally present in 2021 when Willis confronted deputies, held them at gunpoint and shot at them with a rifle, placing them in extreme danger.
“This incident had a lasting and profound impact on those involved. Both deputies suffered significant post-traumatic stress as a result of the encounter, and their lives and careers have been permanently affected. One of those deputies has since left the profession entirely,” saod Clark.
“On behalf of the citizens of Neshoba County, the members of my department, and the residents of that community, I respectfully but strongly urge that this parole be denied. The release of this individual would not only reopen emotional wounds for those directly involved, but would also create renewed fear and distress within the community.”
Willis was convicted of aggravated assault and began serving a sentence of 20 years, with ten suspended in 2022.
