Fired Pearl officer charged in alleged $32K deathbed theft

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (VDN) — A former Pearl police officer was arrested Thursday and charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing $32,000 from the home of a dying woman, according to police records.

Christopher Taylor Loftin was one of several officers who responded to a 911 call on Nov. 18 for 80-year-old Jackie Kelly, who had collapsed unexpectedly and later died from a possible blood clot.

According to Mississippi Today, which first reported the story, Loftin was fired after the incident and is accused of taking the cash while on duty.

“After ambulance workers and police left, Kelly said his father determined the cash had been stolen and called Pearl police, who returned to the home,” Mississippi Today reported. “After arriving, Loftin admitted that he had opened the drawer and seen the money, but he insisted he closed it right back,” said Jason Kelly, Jackie Kelly’s son. “He turned off his camera and stole $32,000.”

Pearl Police Chief Nick McLendon issued a statement Friday.

“Although the wheels of justice may sometimes turn slowly, justice is approaching for Taylor Loftin,” McLendon said. “Accountability is a core part of our mission at the Pearl Police Department. Accountability is not reserved solely for criminals—it applies to everyone, including those who wear the badge.”

McLendon added that law enforcement officers must be held to a higher standard, calling it essential to maintaining public trust.

“To preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and pending court proceedings, I will not comment on the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s findings at this time,” he said. “We remain committed to transparency, fairness, and the principles that guide our service to this community. The Pearl Police Department will continue to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and provide updates as appropriate.”

Loftin’s bond was set at $50,000.