Former Pearl Police Officer Sentenced to 20 Years for Stealing $32,000 From Home of Deceased Woman

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. — Former Pearl police officer Christopher Taylor Lofton, 30, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny for stealing $32,000 in cash from the home of a recently deceased woman, District Attorney John K. “Bubba” Bramlett announced Wednesday.

Lofton’s conviction stems from a November 18, 2024 incident, when he responded to a medical call at the home of an elderly woman who had collapsed. Despite efforts by officers and paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead of natural causes at the scene.

After first responders left the residence, the woman’s husband contacted the Pearl Police Department to report that $32,000 in cash—kept inside a bedroom drawer—had gone missing.

Body Camera Footage Reveals Theft

Pearl Police Chief Nick McLendon immediately notified the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and turned over the body camera footage from all officers present.MBI investigators reviewed the video and determined that Lofton entered the couple’s bedroom, located the cash inside a dresser drawer, and removed it as he exited the home.

Indictment and Sentence

The case was forwarded to the Rankin County District Attorney’s Office, and a grand jury indicted Lofton on one count of grand larceny. Lofton later chose to plead guilty rather than go to trial.

Prosecutors sought the maximum sentence allowed by law, citing the seriousness of the offense and the breach of public trust.

Officials Praise Transparency

District Attorney Bramlett commended the Pearl Police Department for its swift response and transparency in turning over the evidence. He also acknowledged the MBI for its thorough investigative work, which played a key role in securing Lofton’s conviction.

Photo- Pearl PD