BILOXI, Miss. (VDN) — Two Mississippi men, Darran Berry of Vicksburg and Dakota Cruse of Vancleave, have been sentenced in separate human trafficking-related cases, according to a statement from Attorney General Lynn Fitch.
“Predators who seek to exploit others in Mississippi will not go unpunished,” said Fitch. “My office is committed to holding these individuals accountable.”
Darran Berry Sentenced in Jackson County
Circuit Judge Robert Krebs sentenced 31-year-old Darran Berry to 10 years for promoting prostitution, with five years to serve. Berry also received:
5 years for possession of a controlled substance
6 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm
All sentences will run concurrently.
Berry was also ordered to pay:
$500 to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund
$1,000 to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund
Dakota Cruse Convicted of Child Exploitation
In a separate case, Dakota Cruse, of Vancleave, was sentenced to 40 years for child exploitation. He must serve seven years without parole and will be under five years of post-release supervision. He was also ordered to pay the same fines as Berry.
Sex Offender Registration
Both Berry and Cruse will be required to register as sex offenders upon their release.
Attorney General Fitch encouraged the public to report suspected trafficking:
“Your tip could be the key to serving justice for victims.”
