05/20/2026
Former Carthage Police Officer Arrested on Bribery and Conspiracy Charges
Howard Cole, a former officer with the Carthage Police Department, is facing felony bribery and conspiracy charges following an investigation into alleged misconduct.
Carthage PD initially launched an internal investigation into the matter. The case was later turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Cole was arrested on May 13.
Authorities say his bond was set at $30,000 for each of the two felony charges — bribery and conspiracy by a law enforcement officer — bringing the total bond amount to $60,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
