Vicksburg and South Mississippi natives sentenced in human trafficking-related cases

BILOXI, Miss. (VDN) — A Vicksburg native and a South Mississippi native have been sentenced in human trafficking-related cases, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced.

“Predators who seek to exploit others in Mississippi will not go unpunished, and my office is committed to holding these individuals accountable,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I commend our talented team of investigators and prosecutors at the Attorney General’s Office for their work to keep predators out of our communities. If you suspect someone is being exploited, please contact my office. Your tip could be the key to serving justice for victims.”

In Jackson County, Circuit Judge Robert Krebs handed down concurrent sentences to 31-year-old Vicksburg native Darran Berry. Berry was sentenced to 10 years, with five to serve, for promoting prostitution. He also received five years for possession of a controlled substance and six years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Berry was ordered to pay $500 to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and $1,000 to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund.

In a separate case, Dakota Cruse of Vancleave was sentenced to 40 years for one count of child exploitation. Cruse, who will serve seven years without the possibility of parole, will also be under five years of post-release supervision.

Cruse must pay $100 to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and $1,000 to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund.

Both men will be required to register as sex offenders upon their release.