Adam Joseph Neal Graham, Civil Rights Violation, West Virginia 2015

A shocking case of corruption has hit the state of West Virginia, as a former correctional officer has pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation. Adam Joseph Neal Graham, 26, was serving as a Correctional Officer at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail in Elkins, West Virginia, on March 9, 2015, when he committed the heinous crime.

Graham was tasked with assisting in the intake screening for an 18-year-old pretrial detainee, who was handcuffed, sitting on a chair, and acting distraught. Despite the detainee posing no threat to Graham or any other person, Graham applied pressure points to the victim’s shoulder and neck area. He then suddenly and without warning, grabbed the detainee by the neck and forcefully slammed him to the ground.

During the plea hearing, Graham acknowledged that his use of force was not justified by any legitimate law enforcement or correctional objective. His actions were deemed to be a clear abuse of power and a brazen disregard for the rights of those in his care.

The U.S. Constitution protects every person in this country, including those who are detained in our jails. The federal government will actively prosecute those correctional officers who abuse their authority and violate their oath by unlawfully utilizing physical force as a form of punishment.

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Division investigated the case, and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan and Trial Attorney Olimpia E. Michel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro of the Northern District of West Virginia, prosecuted the case.

Graham’s actions have sent shockwaves throughout the community, and his guilty plea has brought a sense of closure to the victim and their family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding correctional officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that those in their care are treated with dignity and respect.

The outcome of Graham’s case is a stark reminder that the federal government will not tolerate abuse of power and will actively prosecute those who violate the rights of others. Graham’s sentence will be determined at a later date, but one thing is clear: justice has been served.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Adam Joseph Neal Graham

Criminal Charges: Civil Rights Violation

City and State: Elkins, West Virginia

Exact Date: March 9, 2015

Sentence or Outcome: Guilty Plea

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