A former Memphis Police Department (MPD) officer pleaded guilty in federal court in Tennessee to one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law for assaulting an suspect in January 2021.
According to the defendant’s admissions at the plea hearing, Armando Bustamante was working as an MPD officer in January 2021.
While on duty, Bustamante struck a man in the head using his service weapon and his hands, without legal justification. Bustamante’s assault caused bodily injury to the man.
“This former Memphis police officer abused his authority by violently assaulting a man without basis,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Officers who willfully use excessive force without basis are not above the law and will be held accountable. Whether in Memphis or any corner of the country, the Justice Department stands ready to vigorously prosecute those law enforcement officers who defy the Constitution and violate people’s civil rights.”
“There is no place in law enforcement for officers who use excessive force,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Civil rights are at the core of the FBI’s mission, and we are dedicated to ensuring that those who are sworn to protect their communities do so without violating the civil rights of those they serve.”
Bustamante faces up to 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has been set for June 15.
The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.