Two law enforcement officers from two separate agencies in Jones County were arrested Wednesday in Jasper County by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks for illegal hunting activities and refusing to cooperate with an officer.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Department jail docket, Gene Kelly Head, 57, and James Michael Thomas, 41, were arrested on multiple charges. Head was charged with willful trespassing, no hunter orange, supplemental seeding violation, and failure to comply with the request of an officer.
Thomas was charged with willful trespassing, no hunter orange, supplemental seeding violation, failure to comply with the request of an officer, and hunting without a license.
MDWFP Major Chris Reed said Thursday the department does not release information on pending investigations.
Head, an officer with the Jones College Police Department, has been suspended from his position at the college until further investigation is complete, according to Jones College President Dr. Jesse Smith.
The Jones County Sheriff's Department released a statement about Thomas Thursday afternoon. The deputy has been relieved of his duties.
“We have a very high standard for individuals who work for the Jones County Sheriff's Department,” explained Sheriff Joe Berlin. “As such, when a situation arises such as this that necessitates that we act, we will not hesitate to do so.”
Head was released from the Jasper County Jail Thursday on a $1,600 bond. Thomas was released the same day on a $1,850 bond.