Meridian Police Department Makes First Arrest Under New State Grooming Law

MERIDIAN, Miss. — The Meridian Police Department announced Wednesday that it has made its first arrest under Mississippi’s newly enacted Grooming of a Child statute, marking a significant milestone in the department’s efforts to combat crimes against minors.

On February 18, 2026, officers arrested Dennis Palmer in Meridian, Mississippi with assistance from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force. Palmer was wanted on charges of Grooming of a Child (Mississippi State Code § 97-5-32) and Procurement of Sexual Servitude of a Minor (Mississippi State Code § 97-3-54).

Authorities confirmed that bond has been set at $1 million.

First Arrest Under 2025 Statute

The Grooming of a Child statute was enacted in July 2025 by the State of Mississippi to strengthen protections for minors and provide law enforcement with additional tools to intervene before exploitation escalates.

This arrest represents the first time the Meridian Police Department has charged a suspect under the new law.

Multi-Unit Investigation

The case was led by the Meridian Police Department Human Trafficking/ICAC Unit, with support from the Meridian Police Department Gang Unit, as well as the department’s SWAT Team and K-9 Unit.

Officials emphasized that the arrest reflects ongoing collaboration among local and regional law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals who exploit children.

Commitment to Community Safety

In a statement, the department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community and pursuing those accused of crimes against children.

“This is the first arrest under this statute for our department, and it will not be the last,” officials said.

Authorities also reminded the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.