IOWA
A federal judge sentenced former police officer who ran up to a suspect being held down by three other officers and kicked him in the face to five years and three months in prison.
Colin Boone was previously employed as an officer of the Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department.
“As this sentences makes clear, there are serious consequences when law enforcement officers betray the trust of their community by violating the rights of individuals,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate the civil rights laws.”
Other officers reported Boone’s conduct to supervisors after learning that Boone had submitted a written report in which he failed to account truthfully for his actions, according to authorities.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Boone ran up to an arrestee and kicked him in the face while he was being held on the ground, face-down, by three other officers. The evidence also showed that Boone’s kick knocked out the victim’s front teeth and broke his nose, officials said.
This case arose from Boone’s use of excessive force against Orville Hill during Hill’s arrest on Feb. 19, 2013.
During the incident, Boone arrived at a scene where three fellow Des Moines police officers were holding Hill on the ground and a fourth officer was standing over the group.
Boone ran up to the group and kicked Hill in the face, knocking out two of Hill’s teeth and breaking his nose.
On March 13, 2015, a jury found Boone guilty of violating Hill’s civil rights by using unreasonable force.
“As this sentences makes clear, there are serious consequences when law enforcement officers betray the trust of their community by violating the rights of individuals,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate the civil rights laws.”
The FBI investigated this case.