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Grimy Times Exclusive: Ashley Toney, Former West Virginia Corrections Officer, Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Ashley Toney, a former corrections officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to violating the civil rights of inmate Q.B., who died on March 1, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, Toney and fellow corrections officer Jacob Boothe failed to intervene to protect Q.B. from being physically assaulted by other correctional officers. The assault led to Q.B.’s death, and both Toney and Boothe have been held accountable for their roles in the tragic events.
Toney and Boothe each pleaded guilty to violating Q.B.’s civil rights by failing to intervene in the assault. They acknowledged that they watched as other officers struck and injured Q.B. while he was restrained, handcuffed, and posed no threat to anyone.
In her plea agreement, Toney further admitted knowing that the interview room, where Q.B. was taken, was a “blind spot” at the jail, meaning there were no surveillance cameras to record what happened inside the room. Toney was aware that officers would bring inmates to “blind spots” in the jail, where they could use unreasonable force without video evidence.
Toney also admitted to providing false information during the investigation of Q.B.’s death and conspiring with officers to instruct fellow officers to give false information to investigators.
Toney and Boothe each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for November 4.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson, and Special Agent in Charge Kevin P. Rojek made the announcement. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case.
Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Civil Rights Division, along with Deputy Criminal Chief Monica Coleman, are prosecuting the case.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Grimy Times for further updates.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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