Crime Stoppers raises ante
Tipsters in central Miss. will receive $2.5K for information
Nicklaus Lovelady • nicklaus.lovelady@jackson.gannett.com • November 26, 2009

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Twitter Helping law enforcement solve crimes in metro Jackson now pays a lot more.





The Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers has raised the amount of money it will pay tipsters from $1,000 to $2,500.

"We thought this would be a good opportunity to entice more people to call in their tips, and eventually we hope it help wipe out crime," said Martie Morgan, Crime Stoppers spokeswoman.

Six counties participate in the Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers - Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Copiah and Warren-and their cities.

Crime Stoppers gets $2 from every misdemeanor fine collected by each of the participating counties and cities.

Last year, Crime Stoppers generated about $50,000 from municipalities, said Madison/Rankin District Attorney Michael Guest, Crime Stoppers board chairman.

"We were getting more tips on violent offenses and we felt like ($1,000) was a reasonable amount for burglaries. We just felt that when we get tips (that solve violent crimes) that we needed to pay out more," Guest said.

Crime Stoppers has paid out nearly $15,000 in rewards this year for 15 tips, and about $17,000 in 2008.

Recently, a tip led to three arrests in the Oct. 10 robbery of the Ridgeland Waffle House. Among those arrested included a former employee at the restaurant.

Morgan said Crime Stoppers' board determines the value of a tip that leads to an arrest. She said tips that lead to an arrest in such violent crimes as rape, armed business robbery and homicide normally are given the full reward.

Jackson police spokesman Joseph Daughtry said people have been more cooperative lately in giving police tips.

"Jackson police have gotten the support from a lot of people who said they are tired of the crime in their neighborhoods," he said.

Morgan said people use Crime Stoppers because tips are accepted anonymously.

She said people will call in tips as soon as the crime happens. Such was the case of Willie Major III, who was found shot to death on Aug. 28. A tip led to the arrest of Samuel McCray of Jackson.

"I got a call from a tipster while Sgt. (Eric) Smith was still standing over his body," Morgan said.
To comment on this story, call Nicklaus Lovelady at (601) 961-7239.
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