ALABAMA
A former Tuskegee Police Department Lieutenant convicted of the 2014 pepper spraying, stomping, kicking and punching a suspect is now facing up to 10 years in prison, officials announced Tuesday.
A police officer recruit who witnessed the beating was so horrified that he surreptitiously audio-recorded the assault on his cell phone.
Alex Huntley, 54, was convicted late Friday for assault on the handcuffed suspect.
Huntley is now facing up to 10 years in prison along with fines and three years supervision after he serves his sentence.
The evidence indicated that on Dec. 24, 2014, Huntley arrested a man who scuffled with police near the Tuskegee town square and directed a fellow police officer to transport him back to the Tuskegee Police Department for booking.
Once there, Huntley sprayed pepper spray in the arrestee’s face, even though the arrestee was handcuffed and following police instructions. Huntley then took the arrestee inside the police station, where Huntley knocked the still-handcuffed arrestee to the ground, stomped on him, and repeatedly kicked and punched him. I
In between blows, Huntley stood over the arrestee and yelled threats at him as the arrestee screamed in pain.
Former Tuskegee Lieutenant Darian Locure, 45, was also charged with a civil rights offense and obstruction of justice. He was acquitted on all charges.
“Illegal conduct by officers who abuse their power and violate the civil rights of those in their custody will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Department will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s laws and hold officers who break the law accountable.”
“The majority of our police officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the public with strength, courage, and valor. Unfortunately, Mr. Huntley was not so dedicated,” said U.S. Attorney Franklin. “Police officers walk a tough, yet honorable line every day. This office is committed to prosecuting any law enforcement officer who abandons their oath to protect and serve and, instead, chooses to engage in criminal conduct that they are sworn so oppose.”
“Lady Justice wears a blindfold for a reason, and a violation of someone’s civil rights by a sworn law enforcement officer cannot be tolerated,” stated FBI Special Agent in charge James Jewell.