Ruleville police officer arrested in Gulfport, charged with extorting $2,500 from driver
GULFPORT, Miss.— A Ruleville police officer was arrested Sunday in Gulfport on federal charges alleging he extorted $2,500 from an undocumented immigrant during a traffic stop.
Antonio Artez Wade, 36, of Clarksdale, was charged with extortion, blackmail, and deprivation of rights under color of law, according to court documents released Monday.
The charges stem from a Sept. 17 traffic stop of an individual identified only as “Victim 1.” Prosecutors allege that after Wade learned the driver lacked legal status or identification, he “indicated that he could ‘help’ the victim in exchange for money.”
The victim subsequently paid Wade $2,500, the complaint alleges.
“No traffic stop should ever turn into a shakedown,” U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said in a statement. “Corruption of the kind alleged here undermines public safety and trust in law enforcement, and it will simply not be tolerated.”
Wade, an officer with the Ruleville Police Department, is being held without bond pending a detention hearing. If convicted on the federal charges, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to holding accountable those who exploit their authority and undermine public trust,” said HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell.
Mississippi officials also condemned the alleged actions.
“The arrest of Ruleville Police Officer Antonio Wade on charges of extortion is deeply troubling and stands in stark contrast of the values and standards expected of those who wear the badge,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch said, “This abuse of power will not be tolerated,” and noted her office “looks forward to our day in State court,” suggesting separate state charges may be pending.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Mims is prosecuting the federal case.
A criminal complaint is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
