U.S. Department of Justice
September 09, 2014 • Office of Public Affairs (202)
514-2007/TDD (202) 514-1888
WASHINGTON—J. Keith McCray,
previously a criminal investigator with the Macon County, Alabama, Sheriff’s
Office, was sentenced today by Judge Myron H. Thompson to serve 36 months in
prison and two years of supervised release for assaulting a handcuffed man at
the county jail, announced the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s
Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
On April 4, 2014, McCray
pleaded guilty to one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
At the plea hearing, McCray admitted that he arrested a salesman who was
selling alarm systems in McCray’s neighborhood and transported him to the Macon
County Jail. There, McCray struck the victim four times in the face and head
while the victim was handcuffed and posed no threat.
“In attacking a defenseless
innocent civilian, this officer chose to abuse his power rather than uphold his
oath to protect the public,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Molly Moran
for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to
vigorously prosecute those who cross the line to engage in acts of criminal
misconduct.”
“While we look to law
enforcement to maintain the safety and security of our citizens, their position
of authority does not give them the right to act outside the bounds of the
law,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. for the Middle District of
Alabama. “Most members of law enforcement serve honorably and professionally.
McCray breached his pledge to protect and serve and he must be held responsible
for his actions. Failure to do so would discredit the noble service of every
other officer, and weaken the public’s trust in those who are sworn to protect them.”
This case was investigated by
the FBI and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. The case was being prosecuted
by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerusha T. Adams and Jonathan Ross of the Middle
District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Chiraag Bains of the Civil Rights
Division.