Mississippi man pleads guilty to drug trafficking and manslaughter, faces 30-year sentence

ABERDEEN, Miss. — October 1, 2026 — Don Gilleylen, 50, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and manslaughter charges in Mississippi, avoiding trial on both cases. Gilleylen entered the pleas on September 29 in Monroe County Circuit Court, according to court records.

Gilleylen initially faced an aggravated trafficking charge related to cocaine. After jury selection, he changed his plea to guilty. Senior Circuit Court Judge Paul S. Funderburk sentenced him to 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 20 years suspended and five years of post-release supervision. The charges stem from a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office checkpoint and an investigation by the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, which officials said helped remove dangerous drugs from the community.

Assistant District Attorneys Paul Gault and Nebra Porter prosecuted the case for the state. Gilleylen’s plea agreement also resolved a pending manslaughter charge in Lee County, stemming from the death of Lucious A. Freeman on Oct. 15, 2021. Gilleylen pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to the maximum 20-year term, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently. The manslaughter case was investigated by Tupelo Police Department Investigator Jacob Whitlock. Gilleylen’s guilty pleas mean he will serve a combined 20-year sentence for both charges, according to court officials.

Jason D. Herring, district attorney for the First Circuit Court District, commended law enforcement for their work in both cases. The sentences are effective immediately, and Gilleylen remains in custody.

Source: Original Article