Indictment Unsealed in Montgomery, Alabama
In a significant legal development, a federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, unsealed an indictment today. This indictment brings forth charges against a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputy for alleged civil rights violations.
Former Deputy Blake Hicks Accused
The indictment specifically names former Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Hicks, aged 33, as the defendant. Hicks faces a single count of deprivation of rights under the color of law, accusing him of willfully using excessive force against an arrestee identified as T.Q.
Alleged Unlawful Use of Force
The indictment paints a troubling picture of the incident, stating that Hicks, without legal justification, punched and kicked T.Q. while the arrestee was handcuffed and lying on the ground. This alleged use of force resulted in bodily injury to T.Q.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Blake Hicks could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
However, the actual sentence will be determined by a federal judge, taking into consideration various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Announcement by Justice Department
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama, and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office jointly made the announcement.
FBI Investigation
The FBI Mobile Field Office conducted the investigation into this case, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to addressing alleged civil rights violations.
Prosecution Team
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama, along with Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Presumption of Innocence
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. For more details, you can view the full indictment.
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