Meridian Police Department makes first arrest under new grooming statute

Published 8:30 am Thursday, February 19, 2026

By City of Meridian Report

The Meridian Police Department, with the assistance of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, arrested Dennis Palmer on Wednesday, who was wanted for grooming of a child and procurement of sexual servitude of a minor, city officials announced Thursday.

Dennis Palmer

This arrest marks a milestone for the Meridian Police Department, as it is the first arrest of its kind under the grooming of a child statute, which went into effect in July 2025. The offense is classified as a felony and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for first time offenders and up to 20 years in prison and $30,000 in fines for repeat offenses.

Bond has been sent at $1 million.

This case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department Human Trafficking/ICAC Unit, with assistance from the Meridian Police Department Gang Unit, SWAT Team, and K-9 Unit.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

City officials said Meridian Police Department will continue working alongside law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice and our community remains safe.