Former DC Corrections Officer Convicted of Civil Rights Violations for Assaulting Handcuffed Inmate

Marcus Bias, a former corrections officer with the District of Columbia Department of Corrections, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for assaulting a handcuffed inmate.

Bias pleaded guilty in March to violating the civil rights of the inmate in his care. According to court documents, the incident occurred in June 2019 when Bias pushed the unidentified inmate, JW,’s head against a metal door frame while escorting him inside the correctional facility.

JW, who was already handcuffed and reportedly subdued after being restrained with pepper spray, suffered injuries requiring medical treatment.

Read: Pennsylvania-born New York State medical professor charged with multi-million dollar grant fraud

“This defendant had a duty to treat those in his custody humanely,” Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. “Like any other law enforcement officer, the defendant had a duty to protect the constitutional rights of everyone in his custody and custody,” echoed U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia.

The incident sparked outrage and an FBI investigation. The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the Justice Department views such civil rights violations.

Read: Architect of Florida's 'No Sleeping Outdoors' Law Celebrates Supreme Court Ruling

“Today, Marcus Bias was sentenced for violently injuring a detainee and violating his civil rights,” said Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber ​​Division.

This case is a reminder of the importance of accountability for those charged with caring for vulnerable populations.

Help support the Tampa Free Press by making a small donation by clicking here.

Android users, click to download the Tampa Free Press app and never miss a story. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our free newsletter.