Former Elmore County Sheriff's deputy Blake Hicks, 33, is facing a federal indictment for allegedly violating the #civilrights of a person, identified as Tristen Quinn, during an arrest on March 5, 2022. The U.S. Department of Justice accuses Hicks of using unreasonable force by punching and kicking T.Q. in the head while the individual was handcuffed and on the ground.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin placed Hicks on administrative leave without pay and initiated an independent investigation by the #Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Subsequently, Hicks resigned from his position after approximately five years with the sheriff's office.
The indictment was unsealed by a federal grand jury in #Montgomery, charging Hicks with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If convicted, Hicks could face up to 10 years in prison, according to the DOJ.
The #FBI Mobile Field Office conducted an investigation, and the prosecution will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama, alongside Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section.
The case underscores the serious consequences police officers will face when they abuse their authority and violate the rights of individuals in their custody. #abolitionnow
Link: The Wetumpka Herald
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