Over 70 Vicksburg criminal cases could not reach grand jury due to VPD process failures between 2021 and 2024

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Vicksburg Mayor and Police Commissioner Willis Thompson released a statement addressing concerns over how criminal case files were handled by the previous administration, citing significant procedural failures within the Vicksburg Police Department that affected dozens of cases.

“I was recently asked about criticisms against the previous administration’s handling of case files. In the spirit of full transparency with the public, I want to share an update regarding past actions of the Vicksburg Police Department as they relate to responsibilities owed to the public under the law,” Thompson said.

Thompson emphasized his responsibility to restore confidence in city government and public safety operations.

“As mayor and police commissioner of the City of Vicksburg, I have a duty not only to right the ship, but to keep our citizens informed of the progress we are making as we work to restore honesty, accountability, and public trust across City Hall and our public safety institutions,” he said.

According to the mayor, a review revealed that between 2022 and 2025, more than 70 criminal cases were never presented to a grand jury because required evidence was not provided to the District Attorney’s Office by the Vicksburg Police Department.

“It has come to my attention that between 2022 and 2025, more than 70 criminal cases were unable to be presented to a grand jury for prosecution due to insufficient evidence being provided to the District Attorney’s Office by the Vicksburg Police Department,” Thompson said.

In many of those cases, arrests and initial court proceedings occurred, but the investigative process stalled.

“In many of these cases, arrests were made, initial court appearances occurred, and preliminary case files were generated as part of the early court process. However, full and complete investigative case files were never submitted to the District Attorney’s Office by the Vicksburg Police Department,” he said.

Because of the incomplete documentation, prosecutors were unable to proceed.

“As a result of this breakdown in process involving more than 70 cases, the District Attorney’s Office was left with no legal option other than to remand many of these cases to the file,” Thompson said. “This effectively prevented the District Attorney from moving forward with prosecution and from seeking justice as allowed under the law.”

Thompson said the failures impacted both alleged victims and defendants.

“The consequences of this failure are serious. Alleged victims were denied the opportunity to have their cases heard, and alleged defendants were denied their right to have matters resolved through the judicial process,” he said. “Regardless of outcome, every case deserves to be handled fully, professionally, and in accordance with the law.”

The mayor said the situation raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the department but noted corrective steps are now underway.

“These circumstances raise significant concerns regarding prior internal procedures, communication, oversight, and accountability,” Thompson said. “I can say with confidence that steps are now being taken to review what occurred, identify where failures happened, and ensure appropriate corrective action is implemented.”

Thompson said the review will be conducted thoroughly and transparently.

“This review will be conducted thoroughly and responsibly, without speculation or interference, but with a clear commitment to transparency and reform for the people of Vicksburg,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice system and working with prosecutors moving forward.

“Our citizens deserve a criminal justice system that functions as it should and protects public safety, respects due process, and upholds the rule of law,” Thompson said. “I remain committed to addressing these issues directly and decisively as your mayor and I appreciate the partnership of our District Attorney and his staff.”

“This administration is committed to restoring trust, strengthening accountability, and ensuring our justice system operates as the law intends. Vicksburg is moving forward.”