Former MPD officer pleads guilty to federal extortion

A former Meridian police officer pleads guilty to federal extortion.

27-year-old Royric “Roy” Benamon pled guilty yesterday, before chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to one count of federal extortion under color of right.

Benamon, who had been with the Meridian Police Department since 2017, allegedly, in April of this year, pulled over a driver at night in Lauderdale County, solicited and received cash payment in exchange for not issuing the driver a ticket.

Benamon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

His sentencing has been set for March 3, 2021, before Judge Jordan in Jackson.