U.S. Department
of Justice
United States v. Tallahatchie County, Mississippi & Tallahatchie County Sheriff (N.D. Miss.)
On March 2, 2021, the United States filed its complaint in United States v. Tallahatchie County, Mississippi & Tallahatchie County Sheriff, in his official capacity (N.D. Miss.). That same day, the United States notified the Court of the Parties’ settlement of the underlying case. The lawsuit alleged race discrimination on behalf of a class of black employees who were paid less than similarly situated white employees in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Under the terms of the settlement agreement, four current and former black deputy sheriffs received $53,200 in backpay to compensate them for the pay disparities based on race. Three of the black deputy sheriffs were also entitled to pension benefits. Under the Settlement Agreement, Tallahatchie also implemented a new pay policy.