Ex-MS sheriff pleads guilty to lying to FBI about requesting nude material from inmate

A former Noxubee County sheriff pleaded guilty Tuesday to making false statements to the FBI when questioned about requesting and receiving nude photos or videos from an inmate, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release.

The Tuesday press release identified the sheriff as 61-year-old Terry Grassaree, of Macon.

According to the release, Grassaree used his position as sheriff to "solicit and accept" nude videos and photos from a female inmate "in exchange for favorable treatment of the inmate." The inmate was in the jail that Grassaree oversaw.

Grassaree provided the female inmate with benefits at the jail that other inmates "did not receive, or did not receive as often," the release states. The benefits included permitting "the use of a contraband cell phone, tobacco and other items."

The release states the female inmate was also made a trusty and given a job cooking in the jail.

According to the press release, Grassaree used a social media platform to request a video from the inmate on March 5, 2019. On the same day, Grassaree received "multiple nude images" from the female inmate via the social media platform and "responded in a flirtatious and complimentary manner."

The release states Grassaree lied about receiving the images during an interview with the FBI. According to the press release, Grassaree made the false statement to the FBI in July 2020.

Grassaree was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 5, 2022, according to the release.

"Grassaree is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison," the release states. "A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors."

In addition to Grassaree's sentencing, one of his former deputies is also awaiting sentencing.

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According to the press release, Vance Phillips also pleaded guilty to using "facilities in interstate commerce, namely, the internet and a cellular phone," for the purpose of committing bribery. Phillips also faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting at Mississippi Today and The New York Times highlighted Grassaree in its series, “Unfettered Power: Mississippi Sheriffs.”

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Former MS sheriff guilty plea in federal sex related case