Former Elmore Deputy Blake Hicks Convicted of Civil Rights and Excessive Force

Editor's Note: For a related Wetumpka Herald article on the original incident, including video submitted by attorneys, see

By Doug Howard

Law Enforcement Coordinator/Public Information Officer

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Former Elmore County, Alabama Sheriff's Deputy Blake Hicks, 33, was sentenced today to 29 months in prison and three years of supervised release for depriving an arrestee of their civil rights under color of law.

According to documents and statements made in court, Hicks deliberately used unreasonable force against an arrestee. Specifically, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and incapacitated on the ground. The arrestee suffered a fractured cheekbone, concussion and lacerations as a result of Hicks' attack.

“This defendant had a duty to respect the rights of those in his custody and to ensure their safety,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead, he violently assaulted a person under arrest who was not resisting and did not threaten harm to the defendant or the public. The Department of Justice remains firmly committed to holding accountable law enforcement officials who abuse their powers and use excessive force against people in custody. »

“We expect law enforcement officers to maintain order and ensure public safety,” said United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross of the Middle District of Alabama. “These are enormous responsibilities. Fortunately, the vast majority of officers serve honorably. Hicks failed to fulfill his obligation to protect and serve. The sentence imposed today ensures that he is held accountable for his actions. Failure to hold Hicks accountable would discredit the noble service of other officers and weaken the public’s trust in law enforcement.”

The FBI Mobile Bureau investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.