MISSISSIPPI
A former Tate County, Mississippi Sheriff’s deputy plead guilty today of unlawful tasing of a jail inmate who standing against the wall and not posing a threat to anyone, officials said.
Lt. Randy T. Doss tased the victim, who has been identified as “J.W.,” a pre-trial detainee, from 11 feet. The victim fell backward and hit and fractured his skull head on the concrete floor, requiring him to undergo brain surgery, officials said.
Doss will be sentenced in February, officials. said.
The tasing occurred on Jan. 27, 2012 after a jail-wide search was ordered after an inmate was reportedly assaulted with a razor.
“The defendant was an experienced law-enforcement officer who abused the authority entrusted to him,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “The right to be free from excessive force is a Constitutional guarantee for all citizens, including those in custody. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Civil Rights Division will vigorously enforce this right.”
“The actions of the defendant are reprehensible and inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi. “He abused his authority, violated the law and the public trust. While the majority of law enforcement officers are hardworking professionals who risk their lives daily for our safety, the U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those officers who break the law and violate the public trust.”
“Officers who abuse their power further undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI’s Jackson Division. “These types of cases are some of the FBI’s most important work and help ensure and maintain a healthy democracy.”
Doss, 63, had more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He had been certified to train other officers on the proper use of force, including how to use a taser, according to authorities.
The defendant was indicted on March 30, 2015, by a grand jury in Oxford, Mississippi.
He was charged with a single count of violating the victim’s right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law. Doss was charged with both using a dangerous weapon – a taser electronic control device – and causing bodily injury to the victim, officials said.