A federal indictment unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Mississippi charges former Mississippi State Capitol Police Flex Unit officer Jeffery Walker with felony deprivation of rights under color of law.
The indictment alleges that Walker used excessive force against a handcuffed arrestee, identified as E.S., employing dangerous weapons and causing bodily injury.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 27, 2022, when Walker, driving an unmarked police car, attempted to initiate a traffic stop involving E.S. The individual failed to stop, leading Walker on a vehicle pursuit through Jackson. During the chase, Jackson Police Department (JPD) officers joined the pursuit.
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The pursuit ended when Walker cut off E.S.’s vehicle, causing Walker to crash into a tree and E.S. to swerve into a nearby yard. A JPD officer assisted by pulling E.S. from his car and handcuffing him without incident. Despite E.S. being compliant and restrained, Walker allegedly slammed E.S.’s head into the hood of his car, forced him to the ground, and kicked him in the head and face, resulting in bodily injuries.
If convicted, Walker faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office.
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“The Department of Justice is committed to holding law enforcement officers accountable when they abuse their authority and violate the rights of individuals,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke.
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office is leading the investigation into the incident.
This case underscores the federal government’s ongoing efforts to address civil rights violations and ensure accountability for law enforcement officers who misuse their power.
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