ACLU of Mississippi Secures Significant Settlement in Civil Rights Cases Against City of Lexington

JACKSON, Miss. — The ACLU of Mississippi, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, O’Melveny & Myers, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP announced a settlement in their cases against the City of Lexington, involving alleged unconstitutional and discriminatory policing practices by the Lexington Police Department and named officers, including its former chief of police.

The lawsuits were brought on behalf of multiple individuals, including Javarius Russell, Andrial Young, and Deborah Powell, who alleged that Lexington police officers violated their constitutional rights through unlawful arrests, excessive force, fabricated charges, discriminatory treatment, and other misconduct. The cases alleged violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Police hold a powerful role in our society. While performing that role, they must balance enforcing the law and protecting constitutional rights. This settlement helps achieve that balance for the LPD, our clients and the residents of Lexington,” said Joshua Tom, Legal Director at the ACLU of Mississippi.

The lawsuits alleged a pattern of misconduct by officers within the Lexington Police Department, including unlawful searches and seizures, retaliatory arrests, excessive force, and prolonged detentions without due process. The litigation also referenced findings from a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice investigation that concluded the Lexington Police Department engaged in unconstitutional and racially discriminatory policing practices.

“I believe my rights were seriously violated. I was thrown to the ground and jailed for days simply for trying to get a court ordered reimbursement from Lexington Police. I’m happy that this settlement provides me some justice,” said Plaintiff Deborah Powell. Plaintiff Andrial Young continued, “I feel that Lexington Police mistreated me badly. I hope this settlement helps Lexington improve its policing in the future.” Plaintiff Javarius Russell added, “as a law enforcement officer myself, I understand the importance of policing. I believe Lexington Police violated my rights. I’m pleased to get some justice for myself and others with this settlement.”

"Pro bono work matters to us at Willkie because everyone deserves equal protection under the law, full stop," said Craig C. Martin, lead counsel for Willkie. "The Lexington settlement speaks to the courage of our clients and the hard work of our team. It's a real step toward restoring trust and integrity in that community, and we're proud to be part of it."

There was no admission or finding of liability or wrongdoing by Defendants as part of this settlement.

While this outcome marks an important milestone, the ACLU of Mississippi says its work on police accountability and reform in Mississippi continues. The organization remains committed to supporting community members impacted by unconstitutional policing and advocating for policies that protect the civil rights and liberties of all Mississippians.

The litigation was part of the ACLU of Mississippi’s broader Police Accountability Initiative, an effort focused on addressing police violence, racial discrimination, and unconstitutional policing practices throughout Mississippi through litigation, advocacy, and community partnerships.