BROOKHAVEN, Miss. — A Lincoln County jury on Friday found Austin Pierre Jackson guilty of multiple drug trafficking and firearm charges, and a judge sentenced him to 40 years in prison, with the first 23 years to serve.
Jackson was convicted in Lincoln County Circuit Court of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of at least 10 but less than 30 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute; possession of at least 10 but less than 30 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute; and possession of fewer than 10 dosage units of amphetamine with intent to distribute. All counts were enhanced by possession of a firearm.
Judge David Strong ordered Jackson to serve the sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The case arose from a law enforcement detail in Bogue Chitto that involved the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Authorities said a traffic stop and subsequent search of Jackson’s vehicle led to the seizure of the narcotics.
District Attorney Brendon Adams said in a statement, “We will not tolerate drug dealers that continue to bring this poison into our communities. Those that bring these illegal narcotics into our community and distribute to our people and children will be dealt with harshly.” Adams thanked the sheriff’s office and the highway patrol and said his office prioritizes the safety of families, schools, churches and law enforcement.
Assistant District Attorney Steven Waldrup prosecuted the case. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid linked to rising overdose deaths nationwide, and convictions for trafficking and firearm enhancements carry significant penalties in Mississippi. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
