An embattled former Noxubee County Sheriff faces up to five years in prison for attempting to cover up an illicit relationship with an inmate.
Terry Grassaree, 61, is reported to have lied to FBI agents in July 2020 when questioned about requesting and receiving nude photos or videos from an inmate in the Noxubee County Jail while serving as sheriff.
Grassaree used his position to solicit and accept nude photos and videos from the unidentified female inmate in exchange for favorable treatment. Grassaree provided her with benefits at the jail that other inmates did not receive, or did not receive as often, including allowing the use of a contraband cell phone, tobacco, and other items. She was also made a trustee and given a job cooking in the jail.
On March 5, 2019, Grassaree used a social media platform to request a video from the inmate. On the same date, Grassaree received multiple nude images from the inmate via the social media platform and responded in a flirtatious and complimentary manner.
During an interview with the FBI, Grassaree lied about receiving the photographs, and these statements were intended to influence the FBI’s investigation of the sheriff and the treatment of detainees in the Noxubee County jail.
Aside from the present case, Grassaree has been accused of raping women and using his platform to beat people unlawfully without any retribution.
Grassaree was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 5, 2022. One of Grassaree’s former deputies, Vance Phillips has also pleaded guilty to using facilities in interstate commerce, namely, the internet and a cellular phone, for the purpose of committing the offense of bribery. Phillips is awaiting sentencing and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Grassaree is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7.
