McCray Sentenced for Assault

A former Alabama sheriff’s investigator has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for assaulting a handcuffed man at the Macon County Jail. J. Keith McCray, 42, pleaded guilty to one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law and was sentenced by Judge Myron H. Thompson.

According to the indictment, on July 4, 2013, McCray arrested a door-to-door salesman who was selling alarm systems in McCray’s Tuskegee, Alabama, neighborhood. McCray then transported the victim to the Macon County Jail, where he struck the victim four times in the face and head while the victim was handcuffed and posed no threat.

Mccray’s actions were a clear abuse of power, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crime. As Acting Assistant Attorney General Molly Moran for the Civil Rights Division stated, ‘In attacking a defenseless innocent civilian, this officer chose to abuse his power rather than uphold his oath to protect the public.’

The Justice Department has made it clear that it will continue to vigorously prosecute those who engage in acts of criminal misconduct, particularly when it involves law enforcement officers. U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama stated, ‘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.’

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and was 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. The sentence handed down to McCray serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.

The incident highlights the importance of holding law enforcement officers to the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that they are accountable for their actions. As U.S. Attorney Beck noted, ‘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.’

For more information, contact Clark Morris at (334) 551-1755 or usaalm.press@usdoj.gov. The public can also fax requests to (334) 223-7617.